Large-Format Battery Management System with In-Rush Protection

ABSTRACT

A system for suppressing inrush currents is described. The system may include a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor arranged in series between a power source and a battery system to be charged. At a low temperature, while the PTC thermistor provides only minimal resistance to minimize an inrush current, the NTC thermistor provides increased resistance. As the temperature increases, the resistance provided by the PTC thermistor increases as the resistance from the NTC thermistor decreases. The system may be used in conjunction with a battery charging system has at least one current pathway from the power source to the battery system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is continuation of U.S. patent Ser. No. 17/549,398 with filing date of Dec. 13, 2021, which is a continuation of International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/CN2021/131937 with an international filing date of Nov. 19, 2021. This application is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/395,987, filed Aug. 6, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/183,422, filed Feb. 24, 2021, now U.S. patent Ser. No. 11/095,140, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/937,931, filed Jul. 24, 2020, now U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/944,278, which is a continuation of International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/CN2020/093886 with an international filing date of Jun. 2, 2020. And, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/183,422 is also a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/937,979, filed Jul. 24, 2020, now U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/944,279, which is a continuation of International Patent Application serial no. PCT/CN2020/093886 with an international filing date of Jun. 2, 2020. And, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/183,422 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/938,008, filed Jul. 24, 2020, now U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/938,221, which is a continuation of International Patent Application serial no. PCT/CN2020/093886 with an international filing date of Jun. 2, 2020. All of the aforementioned are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

One or more aspects relate to electrical systems and, more particularly, to protecting components in those electrical systems from inrush currents.

BACKGROUND

Inrush current is a maximal instantaneous input current drawn by an electrical device when first turned on or connected to a power source. In some instances, components (e.g., alternating-current electric motors and/or transformers) may draw several times their normal full-load current when first energized, for a few cycles of the input waveform. Power converters also often have inrush currents much higher than their steady-state currents, due to the charging current of the input capacitance. Because inrush currents are expected and part of the normal operation of components, inrush currents are typically minimized by temporarily switching a power pathway to include a conventional resistor and later switching to another power pathway that bypasses the resistor. In other situations, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor may be used to reduce inrush currents when a device is below an operating temperature (e.g., when the device is first turned on) by providing a higher impedance to current at colder temperatures while providing a lower impedance at higher temperatures.

Battery systems may also experience inrush currents including during charging and/or during discharging cycles. In general, a battery may be damaged or degraded if the sensitive chemistry of the battery is disrupted. For example, lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries are known to malfunction/degrade if overcharged or charged/overcharged/discharged in inappropriate ways. A battery management system (BMS) is sometimes included with new technology batteries (for example, nickel metal hydride or Li-ion) to provide battery protection, provide improved efficiency, and provide a better user experience than previous battery technologies.

SUMMARY

A system may comprise a combination of electrical components to protect components from an inrush current. In one aspect, two or more thermistors may be used together help reduce inrush current flowing from a source device to a target device. A benefit of the combination of the two or more thermistors may include protecting the source device from being detrimentally drained too quickly. Additionally or alternatively, a benefit of the combination of the two or more thermistors may include protecting the target device from a large inrush current. Additionally or alternatively, a benefit of the combination of the two or more thermistors may provide controlled pre-charge power to the target device.

In one or more aspects, the system may comprise a combination of a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor and a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor. In general, for the PTC thermistor, resistance may increase based on an increase in temperature and in general, for the NTC thermistor, resistance may decrease based on the increase in temperature. The two or more thermistors may be arranged in series such that, through a range of temperature changes, a total resistance across the two or more thermistors remains at a non-negligible value. In short, at a lower temperature, the one or more NTC thermistors have a higher resistance and, as the temperature increases, their resistance decreases. At the same lower temperature, the one or more PTC thermistors have a lower resistance and, as the temperature increases, their resistance increases. While an NTC alone may be helpful in providing inrush current protection to a system at an initially low temperature, a sole NTC may fail to protect a system that is currently at operating temperature. Accordingly, in one or more aspects, a system is provided that reduces inrush current across a temperature spectrum—e.g., from a lower temperature experienced at startup to a higher temperature experienced when providing power to a system already at or above its operating temperature.

These features, along with many others, are discussed in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are included by way of example, and not by way of limitation with regard to the claimed invention.

FIG. 1 shows a circuit with a PTC and an NTC in series between a power source and a load.

FIG. 2A shows an example of an inrush current over a change in time. FIG. 2B shows an example of resistance of a PTC over a change in temperature. FIG. 2C shows an example of resistance of an NTC over a change in temperature. FIG. 2D shows an example of a combined resistance to current flowing through a series connected PTC and NTC over a change in temperature. FIG. 2E shows current flowing through a combination of a PTC and NTC over a change in time. FIG. 2F shows an example current flowing to a target device via a first path with the series connected PTC and NTC thermistors and via at least one other path.

FIG. 3 shows an end device electrically powered by a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4A shows a battery pack with an internal battery management system (BMS) in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 4B shows a battery pack with an internal battery management system (BMS) in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart for an overall process of electrically powering an end device by a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows an updating of a configuration list of a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart for configuring a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 8A shows a generic message flow scenario for configuring a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 8B shows a message flow scenario over a controller area network (CAN) bus for configuring a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 8C shows another message flow scenario over a controller area network (CAN) bus for configuring a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 8D shows another message flow scenario over a controller area network (CAN) bus for configuring a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 9A shows a flowchart for determining a balancing type for a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 9B shows a flowchart for selecting one of three balancing types for a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 9C shows a flowchart for determining a balancing type for a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a message flow scenario for determining a balancing type for plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart for converter balancing with a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows a message flow scenario for converter balancing with a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart for direct balancing with a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a message flow scenario for direct balancing with a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 15 shows a flowchart for staggered balancing with a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 16-17 show a message flow scenario for staggered balancing with a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 18 shows an example of charging a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 19 shows a flowchart for charging a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 20A shows a message flow scenario for charging a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 20B shows a message flow scenario for charging a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 20C shows a flowchart of a method for intelligently charging a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 21A shows an example of a plurality of battery packs discharging in order to electrically power an end device in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 21B shows an example of a plurality of battery packs discharging in order to electrically power an end device in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 22A shows a flowchart for discharging a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 22B shows a flowchart for discharging a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 23 shows a message flow scenario for discharging a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 24 shows a flowchart for limp home mode operation in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 25A shows a message flow scenario for limp home mode operation in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 25B shows a message flow scenario for limp home mode operation in accordance with an embodiment.

The figures are further described in the following section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown various examples of features of the disclosure and/or of how the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other features may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be practiced or carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Rather, the phrases and terms used herein are to be given their broadest interpretation and meaning. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

Any sequence of computer-implementable instructions described in this disclosure may be considered to be an “algorithm” as those instructions are intended to solve one or more classes of problems or to perform one or more computations. While various directional arrows are shown in the figures of this disclosure, the directional arrows are not intended to be limiting to the extent that bi-directional communications are excluded. Rather, the directional arrows are to show a general flow of steps and not the unidirectional movement of information, signals, and/or power.

One or more aspects of the disclosure relate to protecting various components from large inrush currents. The device or devices being protected may include components that are the targets of the inrush current but also may include components that are the source of the inrush current. In one or more examples, a positive thermal coefficient thermistor (PTC) may be connected in series with a negative thermal coefficient thermistor (NTC). The combination of the PTC thermistor and the NTC thermistor may provide a non-nominal resistance across a range of temperatures to limit an inrush current. Additionally or alternatively, the PTC thermistor and the NTC thermistor may be selected such that, across a given temperature range, the NTC provides more resistance at the lower end of the range and the PTC provides more resistance at the upper end of the range. A result may include, for a lower temperature, higher resistance and, for a higher temperature, an increasingly constant resistance. The combination of the effects of the PTC and the NTC thermistors may provide a tailored reduction in inrush current that is affective both at cold temperatures and at higher temperatures. Further, the combination of effects may permit the target device to experience an improved degree of pre-charging based on the ability to select the individual PTC and NTC thermistors. Further, using combinations of thermistors (series and/or parallel for an NTC group and/or a PTC group) may permit further adjusting of the temperature and time-related aspects of the combined PTC-NTC array.

FIG. 1 shows a circuit with a PTC and an NTC in series between a power source and a load. FIG. 1 includes one or more batteries 121 providing power to a load 122, where the load is positioned between a power line 123 and ground 124. The load 122 is shown as a capacitor in a dashed box as the load 122 may comprise an actual capacitor (for instance, a capacitor that is charged and subsequently discharged to another load) or another component or combinations of components (e.g., a motor, another battery, or other item) requiring power that, at least at some time, exhibits a strong inrush current (i.e., similar to an uncharged capacitor being connected to power).

A strong inrush current may be understood with reference to the current across an uncharged capacitor when first connected to a power source. For instance, current into a capacitor may be expressed as follows in Equation 1:

$\begin{matrix} {I = {C\left( \frac{dV}{dT} \right)}} & (1) \end{matrix}$

where I is the current into the capacitor, C is the capacitance, and (dV/dT) is the rate of change in voltage across the capacitor.

For fully charged capacitors connected to a direct current (DC) power source, the rate of change in voltage is zero so the current flowing through the capacitor is zero and the capacitor acts as an open circuit. However, where the voltage across capacitor is low or zero volts and a power suddenly applied across the capacitor, the capacitor acts like a short circuit. When initially powered, the capacitor may experience an inrush current that exceeds the power rating for the capacitor. Because uncharged capacitors have a voltage across their terminals of zero volts, the maximum inrush current may appear shortly after being connected to the power source. Once the capacitor begins to charge, the voltage across the capacitor beings to decrease and the inrush current decreases as well. A fully discharged capacitor may take approximately 5 RC time cycles to fully charge; during the charging portion of the cycle, instantaneous current can exceed load current by a substantial multiple. In short, the instantaneous initial current decreases to zero as the capacitor reaches full charge.

From Equation 1 above, the inrush current increases relative to the capacitor's capacitance C. Also, the inrush current increases relative to the initial voltage across the capacitor's terminals. The result is that, for power capacitors with a high capacitance C that are also subjected to a high voltage differential (e.g., initially uncharged or having minimal voltage differential across its terminals), the inrush current may be excessive and needs to be minimized.

FIG. 1 shows two pathways 126 and 127 from the power source (batteries 121) to the load 122. Pathway 126 comprises a switch Q1 128 and a resistor 129. Resistor 129 (as well as the other resistors described in this application) may be an actual resistor and/or a circuit component that provides at least some real impedance to current flow. In short, resistor 129 (as well as the other resistors described herein) may be actual components that impart a resistance to the current flow and/or may be an effective resistance based on inherent losses in the circuit and/or overall system (e.g., losses to heat, non-ideal electrical connections, temperature variations that affect the internal resistance of components, and the like).

The switch Q1 128 and other switches described herein may comprise one or more types of semiconductor-based switches. For example, the switches may comprise metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), insulated-gate bipolar transistors, thyristors, and/or power MOSFETs (having vertical and/or lateral structures). The term “switch”, “transistor”, “transistor switch”, and “semiconductor-based switch” are understood to encompass the full range of semiconductor transistors that provide a switching function. Also, for the purpose of explanation, these terms are shown by way of example in FIG. 1 as semiconductor transistor-type switches. It is appreciated that other versions of switches may be used in addition to and/or in place of semiconductor transistor-type switches and also understood to encompass, for instance, solenoids, relays, contactors, and/or other types of switches. Further, the type of switch or switches may be selected based on the expected current flowing through the switch, the internal resistance of the switch, the thermal stability of the switch, the required switching speed of the switch, bandwidth, ruggedness, polarity, and/or other requirements.

The second pathway 127 comprises a switch Q2 130, a PTC thermistor 131, and an NTC thermistor 132. The second pathway 127 is shown with resistor 133 but it is appreciated that the resistor 133, like the resistor 129, may be an actual resistor or an apparent resistor representing at least some real resistance in the pathway 127 and/or the current path through the power source 121 and the load 122 (e.g., as being a resistive component between the power source 121 and ground 124 and/or between load 122 and ground 124). In some embodiments, pathways 126 and 127 may be used in a system—e.g., pathway 127 used during an initial connection of a load to a source and then pathway 126 used after a given time and/or the load reaches a desired charge level. In other embodiments, pathway 127 may always be in a conducting state and pathway 126 selectively enabled to place pathways 126 and 127 in a parallel connection between the source and the load. In yet further embodiments, only pathway 127 may exist in a system such that pathway 127 acts as a current limiter during all charge operations to reduce current flow as the ambient temperature is higher than desired. Resistor 129, as shown enclosed in a box of dashed lines, may be included in some embodiments and not include in other embodiments. For instance, resistor 129 may represent an actual resistor, may represent an equivalent resistance or impedance. Similarly,

Switches Q1 128 and Q2 130 may be controlled by microprocessor 125. After a first time interval (e.g., a fraction of a second or longer after load 122 has been electrically connected to the circuit of FIG. 1 ), the microprocessor 125 may control switch Q2 130 to change from its nonconducting state into its conducting state and permit current to flow through pathway 127 to the load 122. After another time interval, switch Q1 128 may be controlled by microprocessor 125 to change from its non-conducting state into its conducting state, thereby permitting current to flow through pathway 126 from the power source 121 to load 122. Switch Q2 130 may be switched off (e.g., controlled to enter its non-conducting state) at the same time switch Q1 128 is switched on, before switch Q1 128 is switched on, or after switch Q1 128 is switched on, depending whether, for instance, having two circuit paths active at the same time between power source 121 and load 122 is desired. Finally, after a second time interval (e.g., 5-10 seconds after switch Q2 130 was changed into its conducting state), switch Q2 130 is controlled return to its non-conducting state and switch Q1 128 is controlled to change into its conducting state.

Additionally or alternatively, the circuit may also comprise a switch 134 in the pathway 126 between resistor 129 (or effective impedance 129) and the load 122. Additionally or alternatively, the circuit may also comprise a switch 135 in the pathway 127 between resistor 133 (or effective impedance 133) or PTC 131 or NTC 132 and the load 122. Switches Q3 134 and Q4 135 may be helpful in isolating respective pathways 126 and 127 from power spikes and/or other transient events during operation of the system. The switches Q3 134 and Q4 135 may have a faster switching time and/or may be controlled based on a difference in voltage differences between different areas of the circuit. For instance, switches Q3 134 and Q4 135 may be controlled based on positive voltage difference across pathway 126 and 127, respectively. If the difference in voltage is negative, it is possible that microprocessor 122 has not switched off one or both of transistors Q1 128 and/or Q2 129. If left unchecked, that negative voltage difference may create an inrush current flowing from the load 122 (now at a higher voltage level) to the power source 121 (now at a lower voltage level). For example, if a battery, of a series-connected array of batteries that together comprise power source 121, is removed, the array of remaining batteries may have a reduced total voltage. Because load 121 may be an actual capacitor having a voltage at a level equivalent to the collection of batteries when all batteries were present, there is a possibility that capacitor 122 may become the power source and batteries 121 may become the load, resulting in a reverse current flow as capacitor 122 begins charging batteries 121. As batteries can be detrimentally affected by improper charging and/or large inrush currents, switches Q3 134 and Q4 135 may be used to further isolate the power source 121 from the load 122.

Additionally or alternatively, optional switch Q3 134 may be used to fully isolate resistor 129 and/or other components in pathway 126 from the load 122 and optional switch Q4 135 may be used to fully isolate the PTC 131, the NTC 132, the resistor 133, and/or other components in pathway 127 from load 122. For instance, if load 122 is prone to transient voltage and/or current spikes and at least one of the thermistors is susceptible to immediate damage or a decrease in useable lifespan based on the load 122's voltage and/or current spikes, it may be beneficial to protect the thermistors from those potential spikes. Additionally or alternatively as described above, it may be beneficial to include the switch Q3 134 and/or the switch Q4 135 when swapping one load 122 for another and the present state of charge across the other load is not known. Other reasons may further justify the inclusion of the switch Q3 134 and/or the switch Q4 135 as isolating switches. For example, the microprocessor 125 may selectively control additional switches Q3 134 and Q4 135 to provide power from the power source 121 to the load 122. By selectively controlling switches Q3 134 and Q4 135, an inrush current from the power source 121 to the load 122 may be reduced. For example, during an initial time period while the load 122 is connected to the remainder of the circuit, each of switches Q3 134 and Q4 135 may be in their non-conducting states (e.g., in their “off” states).

PTC 131 may comprise a single thermistor. Additionally or alternatively, the PTC 131 may comprise two or more PTC thermistors 131 a and 131 b in parallel. Additionally or alternatively, the PTC 131 may comprise multiple PTC thermistors 131 c in series and/or in parallel. Any combination of PTC thermistors may be used to, in combination, provide a desired resistance v. temperature and resistance v. time profile for the PTC 131.

NTC 132 may comprise a single thermistor. Additionally or alternatively, the NTC 132 may comprise two or more NTC thermistors 132 a and 132 b in parallel. Additionally or alternatively, the NTC 132 may comprise multiple NTC thermistors 132 c in series and/or in parallel. Any combination of NTC thermistors may be used to, in combination, provide a desired resistance v. temperature and resistance v. time profile for the NTC 132.

With respect to the thermistors, in one or more examples, a 60R135 thermistor may be used as the PTC thermistor and an SCK255R0 thermistor may be used as the NTC thermistor. The type of thermistors may be selected based on a number of factors. For instance, for NTCs, the thermistor may be selected based on various factors such as an operating temperature range, zero power resistance at a given temperature, max steady state current at the given temperature, residual resistance at the given temperature, maximum power rating at the given temperature, and/or a thermal time constant. For PTCs, the thermistor may be selected based on factors such as a hold current (a maximum current the PTC will pass without tripping at a given temperature), a trip current (a minimum current at which the device will trip at the given temperature), a maximum voltage the device can withstand without damage at the rated current, a maximum fault current the device can withstand without damage at a rated voltage, power dissipated from the device when in a tripped state at the given temperature, a minimum resistance in an un-attached state, a typical resistance in the un-attached state, and a maximum resistance of the device at the given temperature measured after a period of time after tripping.

In one or more aspects, the quantity of PTC thermistors may be a single PTC thermistor or may comprise two or more PTC thermistors arranged in series, parallel, and/or any desired arrangement. Similarly, the quantity of NTC thermistors may be a single NTC thermistor or may comprise two or more NTC thermistors arranged in series, parallel, and/or any desired arrangement. In one or more examples, the one or more PTC thermistors may be arranged in series with the one or more NTC thermistors. At least one advantage of using at least one PTC thermistor and at least one NTC thermistor includes ensuring that a non-negligible resistance remains across the thermistors to decrease an initial current from a power source to a target.

In one or more aspects, the thermistors may be selected based on their individual characteristics to provide a desired temperature range where the impedance of the combination of the thermistors is lower than outside the temperature range. Further, because inrush currents are often related to an initial power-on time, the thermistors may be selected based on their individual thermal time constants to provide, in combination, a window of time during which the effective impedance of the combination of thermistors provide a variable level of impedance to power being supplied from a source device to a target device. In short, the NTCs and PTCs may be selected based on their thermal time constants as well. For example, speed at which each thermistor responds to a temperature change may be based one or more of the mass of the thermistor; the shape of the thermistor (surface area vs. volume); the potting material used for encapsulation; the external housing which encloses the thermistor; and the nature of the surrounding environment (e.g., a gas or liquid environment).

The thermal time constant may be described as the time for the temperature of the thermistor (no load applied) to change to 63.2% of the difference between its initial and final temperatures for a sudden change temperature. When the temperature around the thermistor changes from T₁ to T₂, the elapsed time t and the thermistor's temperature T can then be expressed by the following equation (2):

$\begin{matrix} {T = {{\left( {T_{1} - T_{2}} \right)*e^{- \frac{t}{\tau}}} + T_{2}}} & (2) \end{matrix}$

Or by the following equation (3):

$\begin{matrix} {T = {{\left( {T_{2} - T_{1}} \right)\left\{ {1 - e^{({- \frac{t}{\tau}})}} \right\}} + T_{1}}} & (3) \end{matrix}$

The constant τ is the heat dissipation constant.

If t=τ, the resulting time is: (T−T₁)/(T₂−T₁)=0.632.

In short, the thermal time constant is the time it takes for the temperature of the thermistor to change by 63.2% of its initial temperature difference. By selecting PTC and/or NTC based on the heat dissipation constant τ, among other choices, one may control how the combination of the series connection of the NTC and PTC interact to control the inrush current.

In one or more aspects, the device being protected may comprise a capacitor that is in the process of being charged. When the capacitor has minimal charge, attaching it to an unregulated power source may cause an inrush current that is proportional to a rate of change in the voltage across the capacitor. As the capacitance of the capacitor increases, high capacitance capacitors (e.g., present in some high-power battery systems) may be especially vulnerable to high inrush currents. Using the series connected NTC thermistor and PTC thermistor may protect the high capacitance capacitors at least while the voltage across the capacitor is low and may be removed from the current path once the voltage across the capacitor has increased. Similarly, the device being protected may also include supporting circuitry connected to the capacitor. For instance, a large inrush current may exceed current ratings for power lines and/or circuitry and may lead to degradation of those lines or circuits, if not outright failure. Further, the device being protected may be a motor or other component that, at least for a time, may be modeled as having a capacitive-like nature, e.g., such that it may be prone to large inrush currents during an initial powering phase from a power source.

In another aspect, the device being protected may comprise a target battery where the battery has been nearly depleted. Where the battery is first connected to a power source, the battery may experience an inrush current that may detrimentally affect the life of battery by unintentionally overheating the battery during the charging cycle. By pre-charging the battery using a lower current and reducing an excessive heating of the battery, the life of the battery may be extended. Once the battery has reached a predefined charge level, the pre-charge process may end and the battery charged using a higher current.

In a further aspect, the device being protected may comprise a battery that is providing the current to charge another component (e.g., charging a capacitor and/or providing power to a capacitive load). As described above, a high capacitance capacitor with a minimal voltage across its terminals may initially appear as a short circuit to a power source. Where the power source is a battery, the current flowing out of the battery may be significant such that it may, in some situations, lead to the catastrophic failure of the battery (e.g., causing ignition of the battery and/or permanent degradation of the structures of the battery. Accordingly, preventing high inrush currents flowing into capacitive loads from battery sources may help minimize a likelihood of catastrophic failure of the battery.

FIGS. 2A-2F show various examples of how current or resistance changes over time or temperature for various components of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2A shows an example of an inrush current over a change in time. FIG. 2A represents as current curve 220 how, when a current is enabled to flow, the current may initially spike in intensity before decreasing to a steady-state value. If left unchecked, the inrush current may overwhelm the power rating for various components and/or decrease the lifespan of one or more devices. FIG. 2B shows an example of resistance of a PTC over a change in temperature as resistance curve 221. At a low temperature, the PTC has a generally constant resistance, as temperature increases, the PTC's resistance initially drops then dramatically increases. FIG. 2C shows an example of resistance of an NTC over a change in temperature as resistance curve 222. At a low temperature, the NTC has a high resistance. As the temperature increases, the resistance of the NTC drops and levels out at lower resistance value.

FIG. 2D shows an example of a combined resistance to current flowing through a series-connected PTC and NTC over a change in temperature. A resistance curve for a PTC is shown as curve 223 that, based on an increase in temperature, starts at a constant value, dips, then sharply increases. A resistance curve for an NTC is shown as curve 224 that, based on an increase in temperature, starts at a high level, quickly decreases, then levels to a generally constant value. Because the PTC and NTC are in series, the sum of their resistance is shown generally by curve 225. The combined resistance shown by curve 225 is high at a low temperature, dips for a range of temperatures, then sharply increases for higher temperatures. The various bidirectional arrows of FIG. 2D represent the ability to change the resistance curves 223 and 224 of the thermistors based on selection of thermistors that have different characteristics. For example, to provide a lower resistance at a lower temperature, an NTC may be selected that provides less resistance at the lower temperature. Because the PTC's resistance at a lower temperature is non-negligible, the PTC may be selected in addition to or alternatively from the selection of the specific NTC to provide a lower resistance at the low temperature. For control of the higher temperature performance of the combined PTC and NTC, the PTC may be selected to change its higher temperature response. Similarly, the NTC may be selected for its higher temperature response as well. By decreasing the resistance of each of the PTC and the NTC over an intermediate range of temperatures, the shape of resistance curve 225 may take the form of a bathtub-shaped curve that reflects an abrupt drop in resistance at as a temperature increases from a low temperature, is generally low for a middle range of temperatures, then quickly rises with the increase in temperature. Alternatively, the resulting resistance curve 225 may be controlled to have a V-shaped resistance profile based on selection of an NTC that begins to reduce its resistance at a warmer low temperature and selection of a PTC that begins to increase its resistance at a cooler high temperature. The point P identifies a lowest combined resistance from the NTC and PTC. The location of point P may be adjusted between based selection of the various thermistors. The location of point P may or may not necessarily coincide with the temperature at which the resistance of the NTC is the same as the resistance of the PTC.

FIG. 2E shows current flowing through a combination of a PTC and NTC over a change in time. The resistance per time is shown as curve 226. FIG. 2E reflects how the overall resistance of the series-connected NTC and PTC change each thermistor heats based on current flowing through it. The series-connected thermistors may provide a maximum current C at time T after initially receiving power. If power continues to flow through the series-connected thermistors, the PTC's increase in resistance may reduce the current flowing through the thermistors, thereby regulating how much current is supplied to a load. FIG. 2E shows an example of how the current flowing through the series-connected thermistors may peak then drop to a plateau based on the thermistors reaching a steady-state temperature. The properties of the curve 226 may be modified based on the selection of the various thermistors and how each thermistor responds to current and temperature.

FIG. 2F shows an example current flowing to a target device via a first path with the series connected PTC and NTC thermistors and via at least one other path. From an initial time to a time 227, a microprocessor may turn off all conduction paths from a source to a load. At time 227, the microprocessor may enable a conduction path that includes the series-connected NTC and PTC (e.g., turning on the switch Q2 130 in conduction pathway 127 of FIG. 1 ). Based on how each of the NTC and PTCs increase in temperature via self-heating and/or being heated from the ambient environment, the resulting current gradually increasing as shown by curve 220 as the resistance gradually decreases. At time 229, the microprocessor may change conduction paths (e.g., turning on the switch Q1 128 in conduction pathway 126 of FIG. 1 ) to enable the current to flow through a pathway with reduced resistance, resulting in a shoulder from curve 230 to curve 231 at time 229. For reference, if only the lower resistance conduction path was selected by the microprocessor, the load may have been subjected to a detrimental inrush current shown by curves 232 (the initial current spike) and 233 (the gradual reduction in current due to charging of the load).

The combination of the series-connected thermistors may be used in conjunction with a battery charging system has at least one current pathway from the power source to the battery system. Where only one current pathway exists, the combination of the NTC and PTC thermistors may be used, based on the combination's thermal sensitivity, to control a charging battery's temperature by regulating how much power is being provided to the battery. Where multiple current pathways exist, the pathways may be used sequentially, e.g., the series-connected NTC and PTC thermistors pathway used during an initial charging interval where an inrush current is more likely to appear and a second pathway without the series-connected NTC and PTC thermistors used after the initial charging interval.

Based on the combination of the NTC and PTC, the system may provide a pre-charge current when charging a load and/or provide a pre-discharge current when supplying power from a source. The combination of the NTC and PTC may prevent large current spikes that may blow a fuse or damage other components of the system. The combination of the NTC and PTC may help ensure that the system is protected across a wide range of temperatures. For example, battery packs as power sources may be protected using the series combination of the PTC and NTC thermistors. The following describes, in general, how battery packs may be used in powering a load.

In general, a battery system may comprise a plurality of battery packs that may have the same or similar electrical and electronic components and/or chemistries. Each battery pack may support battery cells (often Li-ion). Battery packs need not require a specific configuration before the battery pack is installed in the battery system. Rather, the battery pack may assume a role of either a master (e.g., a primary) battery pack or a slave (e.g., a secondary) battery pack after the battery pack is inserted into the system and commences activity on the communication channel without user intervention.

With another aspect, the battery system need not utilize an external battery management system. Rather, each battery pack may include an internal battery management system that can manage a pack's battery cells and may coordinate via messaging with the other battery packs in the battery system via a communication channel.

With another aspect, a master battery pack may gather battery status information from one or more slave battery packs by messaging over a communication channel. Based on this status information, the master battery pack can appropriately initiate the enabling/disabling of the charging or discharging of battery cells located at the slave battery packs.

With another aspect, a configuration list may be sent by a master battery pack to slave battery packs over a communication channel (for example, serial communication channel such as a controller area network (CAN) bus), where the configuration list may include entries for each of the master and slave battery packs. The entry at the top position can serve as the master battery pack while the other battery packs can serve as slave battery packs. When a battery pack is added or removed, the configuration list can be revised to reflect the change.

With another aspect, battery packs in a battery system may be charge-balanced to mitigate and/or prevent in-rush electrical current that may occur for one or more of a plurality of battery packs in the battery system when there is significant variation of state of charge (SoC) among the battery packs. For example, a large SoC variation may occur when a new battery pack is installed in a battery system, such as when a SoC of the new battery pack is much different (e.g., discharged, fully charged) when compared to the existing battery packs in the battery system. In-rush electrical current can be particularly undesirable with Li-ion batteries since its life may be substantially reduced.

With another aspect, different balancing technique of battery packs are supported in a battery system. Based on the SoC characteristics of the battery packs, one of a plurality of balancing techniques may be selected. Balancing techniques may include, for example, a “smart converter balancing,” a “start direct balancing,” and/or a “start staggered balancing.”

With another aspect, a battery system may support a “limp home mode” when a battery pack in a battery system experiences a catastrophic failure, for example, when its battery cells are characterized by a very low voltage output. An internal battery management system may diagnose the failure and may mitigate the failure by configuring an unused battery pack (if available) in the battery system or by initiating a partial shutdown of the battery system, enabling operation of the equipment to “limp home” under at least partial power.

With another aspect, a battery system supports “smart discharge” in order to power equipment (end device). Battery packs with varying SoC's may be connected to an end device to provide electrical power to the device. However, battery packs that have a large SoC variation cannot be immediately connected together to power the end device and may necessitate charge balancing to be performed. Battery packs are then selectively enabled from a plurality of battery packs in the battery system so that the battery packs can properly discharge.

With another aspect, a battery system supports “smart charge” in order to restore charge to its battery cells. A battery system having battery packs with varying SoC's may be connected to a charger in order to restore the SoC's of each battery pack and to reduce the SoC variability among the battery packs. If the battery packs have a large SoC variation, the battery packs cannot be immediately connected to the charger at the same time. Measures are thus supported to circumvent this situation by enabling charging of selected battery packs at the appropriate time based on dynamic SoC characteristics.

According to an aspect of the embodiments, a battery system with a large-format battery (e.g., a Li-ion battery) powers attached equipment (an end device) by discharging battery cells distributed among a plurality of battery packs. The discharging of the battery cells is controlled in an efficient manner while preserving the expected life of the Li-ion battery cells.

According to another aspect of the embodiments, a battery system may support different advanced technology batteries of different chemistries and/or structures including, but not limited to, Li-ion batteries and solid-state batteries.

Each battery pack internally supports a battery management system (BMS), thus circumventing the need of an external battery management in contrast to traditional approaches. Moreover, each of the battery packs may have identical electrical and electronics components, thus supporting an architecture that easily scales to higher power/energy output as needed by an end device. Battery packs may be individually added or removed, where one of the battery packs serves as a master battery pack and the remaining battery packs serve as slave battery packs. Moreover, configuration of the battery packs may be automatically performed without user interaction. When the master battery pack is removed, one of the slave battery packs is automatically reconfigured to become the master battery pack. Charging and discharging of the battery cells is coordinated by the master (e.g., primary) battery pack with the slave (e.g., secondary) battery packs over a communication channel such as a controller area controller (CAN) bus.

In addition, the battery system may be efficiently charged in order to restore charge to the battery cells while preserving the life expectancy of the battery cells.

Rechargeable medium-to-large format battery packs with battery management systems are providing power for small, portable devices and are also extending to larger mobile and stationary uses. Moreover, transportation applications spanning smaller uses such as scooters to larger ones such as full-size autos are contemplated with rechargeable batteries. Industrial applications are also contemplated as battery-based designs are replacing small internal combustion engines for lawn mowers and yard equipment in both commercial and consumer products. Enabling electrification has several advantages, including but not limited to, elimination of polluting emissions, reduced noise, and lower maintenance needs. Furthermore, self-contained backup power systems for residential and commercial sites are benefiting from battery-based designs which eliminate the issues associated with on-site hydrocarbon-based fuel storage.

FIG. 3 shows end device 101 electrically powered by a plurality of battery packs 100 (battery system) in accordance with an embodiment. Each battery pack 102, 103, and 104 includes its own internal battery management system (BMS) 112, 113, and 114, respectively. Battery packs 102, 103, and 104 are electrically connected to a direct current (DC) power bus 151 (comprising positive and negative connections) so that the voltage presented to end device 101 is essentially the same as the voltage provided by each battery pack 102, 103, and 104 while the electrical current supplied to end device 101 is the sum of individual electrical currents provided by each battery pack. Battery packs 100 may be housed within end device 101, mounted to end device 101, or externally situated with respect to end device 101.

End device 101 may assume different types of devices including, but not limited to, power tools, lawn mowers, garden tools, appliances, and vehicles including forklifts, cars, trucks, and so forth.

Battery management systems 112, 113, and 114 communicate with all of the battery packs as well as end device 101 and/or charger 1601 (as shown in FIG. 18 ) over communication channel 152. For example, communication channel 152 may comprise a serial communication channel (e.g., a controller area network (CAN) bus) or a parallel communication bus. However, embodiments may support other types of communication channels such as Ethernet, Industrial Ethernet, I²C, Microwire, or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). In some cases, the communication channel may support synchronous communication (e.g., CAN) or asynchronous communication (e.g., RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, etc.)

The CAN and Ethernet protocols support the lower two layers of the OSI model while the BLE protocol spans the lower layers as well as the higher layers including the application layer. Consequently, embodiments utilizing protocols such as CAN and Ethernet must support the equivalent higher layers by software applications built on top of the two lower layers.

Embodiments may support different messaging protocols. For example, a protocol may support node to node communication by supporting both a source address and a destination address. The destination address may specify a particular node address or may be a global address so that a message may be broadcast to more than one node. In some cases, a protocol (such as the CAN protocol, the Modbus protocol, etc.) may support only a single source address (e.g., a master address) so that all nodes may process a message broadcast over a communication channel.

Battery packs 102, 103, and 104 may each connect to communication channel 152 in a parallel fashion. However, embodiments may support different arrangements such as pack-to-pack communication on separate busses or a daisy chain connection through each battery pack.

Battery packs 102, 103, and 104 may have similar or identical electrical and electronic components. After being inserted into a battery system, one of the battery packs 102, 103, or 104 may be configured as a master battery pack or a slave battery pack. Moreover, if a battery pack initially serves as a slave battery pack, it may subsequently serve as a new master battery pack if the current master battery pack is removed.

FIG. 4A shows battery pack 200 with an internal battery management system (BMS) in accordance with an embodiment. The battery management system may be implemented by processor 201, which may comprise one or more microprocessors, controllers, microcontrollers, computing devices, and/or the like, executing computer-executable instructions stored at memory device 202.

As will be discussed, battery pack 200 may be configured as either a master battery pack or a slave battery pack without any change to the electrical or electronic components.

The power circuitry (including battery cells 203) of battery pack 200 interacts with power bus 151 through power bus interface circuit 206 when battery pack 200 is discharging, charging, and/or being balanced with respect to the other battery packs as will be discussed.

Battery pack 200 also interacts with communication channel 152 via communication channel interface circuit 205. For example, battery pack 200 may support messaging with other configured battery packs, with the end device being powered by the battery packs, or with a charger charging battery cells 203. Exemplary message flows are shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 20A-20B, 23, and 25A-25B as will be discussed in further detail.

Battery pack 200 supports core battery monitoring and/or management functionality via core battery functions circuit 204. For example, core battery functions may include battery cell status, battery cell balancing, short circuit protection, high temperature cut-off, over-current cut-off, and over-charge protection.

Referring to FIG. 4A, battery cells 203 may include a plurality of battery cells that are connected in series to obtain a desired voltage level. For example, with Li-ion technology, each battery cell may have a nominal voltage of approximately 3.6 volts. With four battery cells connected in series, the total nominal voltage provided by battery pack 200 is approximately 14.4 volts. When battery cells 203 comprises a plurality of battery cells, core battery functions circuit 204 may internally balance the charge among the different battery cells. In addition, battery pack 200 may be charge balanced with respect to the other battery packs in a battery system. The battery packs are often configured in a parallel fashion so that the resultant electrical current offered to an end device is the sum of electrical currents of the battery packs at an approximate voltage level of an individual battery pack.

Status information may include the state of charge (SoC) information, state of health (SoH) information, temperature information, charging time information, discharge time information, and/or capacity information of the battery cells and/or of the battery pack.

As one with skill in the art would appreciate, the SoC is understood to be the level of charge of an electric battery relative to its capacity. The units of SoC are typically percentage points (0%=empty; 100%=full).

The SoH typically does not correspond to a particular physical quality since generally there is no consensus in the industry on how SoH should be determined. However, the SoH is indicative of internal resistance, battery storage capacity, battery output voltage, number of charge-discharge cycles, temperature of the battery cells during previous uses, total energy charged or discharged, and/or age of the battery cells to derive a value of the SoH. Knowing the SoH of the battery cells of battery pack 200 and the SoH threshold of a given end device (application) may provide a determination whether the present battery conditions are suitable for an application and an estimate about the battery pack's useful lifetime for that application.

When performing processes associated with battery management, battery pack 200 may receive or send values of at least the SoC and/or SoH from/to other battery packs as will discussed in further detail.

Power bus interface circuit 206 may comprise a switch circuit such as a semiconductor array 210 (for example, a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) array or other power semiconductor switch device, such as an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) array, a thyristor array, etc.) that allows electrical current flow from battery pack 200 when battery pack 200 is discharging and semiconductor array 211 that allows electrical current flow to battery pack 200 when battery pack 200 is charging. Arrays 210, 211 are appropriately enabled by processor 201 in response to messaging from the master battery pack controller. (In a situation when battery pack is the master battery pack, messaging is internal to battery pack 200 rather via communication channel 152.) The power MOSFET arrays (e.g., N-Channel MOSFETs) may be used as switches to control power flow to and from the battery cells. The gates of the MOSFET arrays may be controlled by signals generated by a microcontroller and/or a battery management IC.

Power bus interface circuit 206 may be configured to prevent battery pack 200 from being charged or discharged through power bus 206 based on the status of battery cells 203 (for example, SoC, SoH, and/or voltage). Typically, arrays 210 and 211 are disabled when a battery pack is inserted into a battery system so that the battery pack does not charge or discharge until instructed and/or controlled by the master battery pack.

Battery pack 200 interacts with power bus 151 via electrical switch 208 (which may comprise one or more semiconductor devices). As shown in FIG. 4A, direct exposure to power bus 151 bypasses converter 207. However, if battery cells are charged when the battery cells have a small SoC, the battery cells may incur an electrical current in-rush, often resulting in damage or degradation. Consequently, when the battery management system detects such a condition, electrical switch 208 may be configured so that charging of the battery pack 200 is controlled to minimize inrush current from the power bus 151 via the converter 207.

Converter 207 may assume different forms capable of controlling power transfer between the power bus and the cells of the battery pack such as by providing a stepped-down output voltage with respect to the input voltage (e.g., a buck converter, a Ćuk converter, a buck-boost converter, a single-ended primary-inductor converter (SEPIC) converter, etc.) to protect battery cells 203 from an electrical current in-rush and enable battery cells 203 to slowly charge (for example, corresponding to converter balancing flowchart 713 as shown in FIG. 11 ). However, when converter 207 is bypassed, battery cells 203 may charge at a quicker rate (for example, corresponding to direct balancing flowchart 714 as shown in FIG. 13 ).

Processor 201 may support battery management processes (for example, processes 500, 700, 713, 714, 715, 1700, 2000, and 2200 as shown in FIGS. 7, 9A, 11, 13, 15, 19, 22 , and 24, respectively) discussed herein. Processor 201 may control the overall operation of battery pack 200 and its associated components. Processor 201 may access and execute computer readable instructions from memory device 202, which may assume a variety of computer readable media. For example, computer readable media may be any available media that may be accessed by processor 201 and may include both volatile and nonvolatile media and removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprise a combination of computer storage media and communication media.

Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile and removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and that can be accessed by the computing device.

Communication media may include computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. Modulated data signal can be a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media may include wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.

While processor 201 and communication channel interface circuit 205 may be powered by battery cells 203, embodiments may have a separate power source for processor 201 and interface circuit 205. Consequently, battery pack 200 may continue to interact with the other battery packs over the communication channel regardless of the status of battery cells 203.

FIG. 4B shows a variation of battery pack 200 shown in FIG. 4A. Battery cells 203 interact with the power bus through power bus connector 214, switch 217, converter 218, and connector 219. Switch 217 may include two sets (arrays) of semiconductor devices (for example, MOSFET's, insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), thyristors, and so forth) for allowing electrical current flow in either direction (into the battery pack for charging and out of the battery pack for discharging). Both arrays may be disabled to isolate the battery pack from the power bus. Typically, both arrays are disabled when a battery pack is inserted into a battery system. In addition, enabled converter 218 may be used to reduce an input voltage level to control charging of the battery cells to prevent an electrical current in-rush that may occur in some situations as will be discussed.

Controller 213 executes computer-executable instructions to perform processes discussed herein. For example, controller 213 obtains status information (for example, the SoC value) from battery cells 203 via battery monitor 219, provides battery pack status information via status display 215, and interacts with a communication channel (for example, a CAN bus) via communication bus interface 216.

In addition, a heater control circuit 212 may be used to ensure that the temperature of battery cells 203 does not drop below a minimum value so that battery cells 203 can properly operate as expected.

FIG. 5 shows flowchart 300 for an overall process of electrically powering an end device (for example, end device 101 as shown in FIG. 3 ) by a plurality of battery packs (for example, battery packs 100) in accordance with an embodiment.

At block 301, end device 101 is activated. For example, a user may close a battery compartment of end device 101, turn a key, and/or flip a switch to generate an interlock signal.

At block 302, the battery management system of the master battery pack determines whether to balance the battery packs when the battery compartment has more than two battery packs. If so, the difference of charge of the battery packs may be reduced by one or more battery packs discharging to charge one or more of the other battery packs at block 303 as will be discussed in further detail.

After balancing (if needed), the end device is powered by discharging one or more of the battery packs at block 304. For example, based on the power requirements of the end device and the SoC values of the battery packs, the battery management system of the master battery pack may enable the appropriate battery packs.

If a catastrophic failure is detected at block 305 for one of the enabled battery packs while powering the end device, limp home mode operation at block 306 may be initiated in order to continue powering the end device as will be discussed in further detail.

When the user completes using the end device at block 307, block 308 determines whether charging is needed. If so, a charger may be connected to the battery system to restore the battery cells, where charging may be initiated at block 309.

While not explicitly shown, balancing of the battery packs may be performed before charging the battery packs at block 308 when the SoC values of the battery packs are sufficiently different.

With the embodiments, all of the plurality of battery packs may have the same electrical and electronic components. No configuration is typically needed to a battery pack when the battery pack is installed in the battery system. Rather, the battery pack assumes the role of either a master battery pack or a slave battery pack based on processes discussed herein after the battery pack is inserted into the system and the battery pack commences activity on the communication channel. As will be discussed in further detail, a configuration list may be conveyed over the communication channel, where the configuration includes entries for each of the master and slave battery packs.

The processes discussed herein are shown from the perspective of the master battery pack and are typically executed by the master battery pack in the battery system. The other installed battery packs in the battery system serve as slave battery packs. However, the slave battery packs interact with the master battery pack over the communication channel. For example, a slave battery pack provides its battery cell status information and activates/deactivates power switches to interact with the power bus (for example, allowing electrical current (charge) to flow into or from the battery pack) responsive to messaging from the master battery pack. Consequently, while not explicitly shown, there are corresponding processes executed by each of the slave battery packs.

FIG. 6 shows an updating of configuration list 401 a, 401 b, 401 c, 401 d of a plurality of battery packs as different battery packs are inserted into and removed from the battery system. Each battery pack is assigned an identification (ID) in accordance with a standardized process, such as the SAE J1939 Address Claim Procedure and/or the like. For example, configuration list 401 a contains four entries: pack 1 (which is configured as the master battery pack) and three slave battery packs (packs 2-4).

As will be discussed in greater detail, the master battery pack gather status information about the other battery packs (the slave battery packs) and consequently instructs the slave battery packs, as well as itself, to discharge or charge in response to the operation situation.

With the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , the first (top) member of configuration list 401 a, 401 b, 401 c, 401 d is configured as the master battery pack. When a battery pack is added to the battery system, an entry is created at the bottom of the configuration list for that battery pack. Consequently, the oldest member of configuration list 401 a, 401 b, 401 c, 401 d is configured as the master battery pack.

Selecting the oldest (top) member of configuration list 401 c may be advantageous to traditional approaches. For example, the number of changes of the master battery packs may be reduced with respect to determining the master battery pack based on the ID value. With the latter approach, a second change would occur from configuration list 401 d, where pack 5 would become the master battery pack.

In the installation scenario shown in FIG. 6 , pack 1 (which serves as the master battery pack) is removed as shown in configuration list 401 b. Consequently, pack 2 (the oldest slave battery pack) becomes the new master battery pack as shown in configuration list 401 c. In order to complete the transition, pack 2 may request pack information from the other battery packs to be able to properly instruct the other battery packs.

Subsequently, pack 5 is inserted into the battery system resulting in a new entry being added to configuration list 401 d, where ID 243 is the same ID for previously removed pack 1. With embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , pack 5 may be old master pack that is reinserted or a new battery pack that is inserted into the battery system.

With some embodiments, when a battery pack is removed from a battery system, battery pack information may be lost. When the battery pack is reinserted, the reinserted battery pack may obtain battery information from the configured battery packs. However, some embodiments may support memory persistence (e.g., flash memory) so that battery pack information is retained at the battery pack even when the battery pack is removed and reinserted.

FIG. 7 shows flowchart 500 for configuring a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment. At block 501, a battery pack is added to the battery system. If no other battery packs are connected to the communication channel, as determined at block 502, an entry is added to the top of the configuration list, and the battery pack becomes the master battery pack at block 504. Otherwise, the added battery pack is added to the bottom of the configuration list and becomes a slave battery pack at block 503.

At block 504, a battery pack is removed from the battery system. If the battery pack is the first member of the configuration list, as determined at block 505, the entry is removed at block 506 and the battery pack corresponding to the next entry is designated as the master battery pack at block 507. Otherwise, the entry for the removed battery pack is deleted at block 508.

FIG. 8A shows a generic message flow scenario for configuring a plurality of battery packs in accordance with flowchart as shown in FIG. 7 . The generic messages represent messages supported by different communication channels, for example via a controller area network (CAN) bus, Ethernet, Industrial Ethernet, MODBUS, or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and/or the like.

The message flow in FIG. 8A is based on a centralized approach, in which the master battery pack maintains the configuration list and repetitively sends it (for example, periodically) to the other battery packs over a communication channel. However, embodiments (for example, as shown in FIG. 8D) may support a distributed approach, in which each battery pack locally maintains its own configuration list and repetitively broadcasts it over the communication channel. Since a battery pack receives all broadcasts from the other battery packs, the battery pack is able to modify its own configuration list to be consistent with the configuration lists broadcast by the other battery packs.

When pack 601 (pack 1) becomes the master battery pack at event 631, pack 601 sends periodic update messages 661 a, 661 b, 661 c to packs 602, 603, and 604, respectively. If the message protocol supports a single broadcast message (for example, with a global destination address) that is received and processed by all battery packs connected to the communication channel, then only one message is sent by pack 601. Otherwise, pack 601 sends separate messages to packs 602, 603, and 604 (which are configured as slave battery packs).

With some embodiments, messages 661 a, 661 b, 661 c may be sent repetitively but not periodically.

Periodic update message 661 a, 661 b, 661 c may contain configuration information (for example configuration list 401 a, 401 b, 401 c, 401 d as shown in FIG. 6 ). With some embodiments, pack 601 sends broadcast messages periodically. However, if pack 601 were removed (for example, corresponding to event 632), periodic transmission of the update messages would be disrupted.

When the disruption is detected by the oldest slave battery pack (pack 602) at event 633, pack 602 assumes the role of the master battery pack. Consequently, pack 602 removes the top entry of the configuration list (corresponding to pack 601) and periodically sends the revised configuration list via update message 662 a, 662 b.

When pack 605 (pack 5) is added at event 634, pack 605 sends join request 663 in accordance with the SAE J1939 address claim procedure. Consequently, pack 605 is added by pack 602 (currently the master battery pack) at event 635, and pack 602 periodically sends update messages 664 a, 664 b, 664 c and 665 a, 665 b, 665 c.

FIG. 8B shows a message flow scenario over a CAN bus for configuring a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

The CAN communications protocol (ISO-11898: 2003) describes how information is passed between devices on a network and conforms to the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model that is defined in terms of layers. Actual communication between devices connected by the physical medium is defined by the physical layer of the model. The ISO 11898 architecture defines the lowest two layers of the seven-layer OSI/ISO model referred as the data-link layer and physical layer.

The CAN communication protocol supports both a standard version (11-bit identifier field) and an extended version (29-bit identifier field). However, embodiments typically use the standard version because the supported identifier space is typically more than enough.

The CAN bus is often referred to as a broadcast type of bus, where each message contains a source address (for example, a device ID) but not a destination address. Consequently, all battery packs (corresponding to nodes) can “hear” all transmissions. A battery pack may selectively ignore a message or may process the message by providing local filtering so that each battery pack may respond to pertinent messages.

Embodiments may use the data frame message specified in the CAN protocol. This message type carries a 0-8 byte payload, where the data field is interpreted at a higher protocol layer (typically by a software application executing at the battery packs). For example, the data field may convey SoC and/or SoH information when a slave battery pack sends status information back to the master battery pack.

In order to assign an identification value (address) to a battery pack, end device, or charger, embodiments may utilize an industry standard, such as the SAE J1939 address claim procedure. The SAE J1939 protocol is a higher protocol layer built on top the CAN data-link and physical layers.

Referring to FIG. 8B, when pack 601 (pack 1) becomes the master battery pack at event 636, pack 601 sends periodic data frame message 671 to packs 602, 603, and 604, respectively. (Because the CAN protocol supports only a source address, all battery packs may receive and process a single broadcast message sent via the CAN bus.) Data frame message 671 corresponds to periodic update message 661 a, 661 b, 661 c shown in FIG. 8A. Data frame message 671 contains at least the configuration list in the payload.

When pack 601 is removed (for example, corresponding to event 637), periodic transmission of the periodic data frame messages is disrupted.

When the disruption is detected by the oldest slave battery pack (pack 602) at event 638, pack 602 assumes the role of the master battery pack. Consequently, pack 602 removes the top entry of the configuration list (corresponding to pack 601) and periodically sends the revised configuration list via data frame message 672.

When pack 605 (pack 5) is added at event 639, pack 605 initiates the address claimed procedure 673 claiming its identification (ID) value. When successfully completed, an entry with the identification of pack 605 is added to the bottom of the configuration list by master battery pack 602 at event 640.

Subsequently, pack 602 (now the master battery pack) periodically sends broadcast data frame message 674.

FIG. 8C shows a variation of the message flow scenario shown in FIG. 8B for configuring a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment. As with FIG. 8B, pack 601 (designated as the master battery pack at event 641) periodically sends the configuration list via message 681. However, slave battery packs 602, 603, and 604 return confirmation messages 682 a-c to confirm reception.

At event 642, battery pack 604 is removed from the battery system. When battery pack 601 periodically sends message 683, only messages 684 a-b are returned. Consequently, a message timeout occurs at event 643, and master battery pack 601 detects that battery pack 604 has been removed and removes the entry for battery pack 604 from the configuration list. The modified configuration list is included in the next periodic broadcast.

FIG. 8D shows a variation of the message flow scenario shown in FIG. 8B, where the configuration list is maintained in a distributed rather than a centralized fashion.

Battery pack 601 is distributed as the master battery pack at event 644. Rather than the master battery pack maintaining and sending the configuration list to the other battery packs, each of the active battery packs 601-604 maintains its own configuration list and broadcasts it via messages 691 a-d to the other battery packs via the CAN bus, where list_1, list_2, list_3, and list_4 correspond to the configuration messages maintained at battery packs 601-604, respectively. As necessary, battery packs 601-604 may modify its own configuration list to be consistent with the configuration lists broadcast by the other battery packs. For example, a battery pack may have been recently inserted into a battery system and may need to revise its configuration list to be consistent with the current configuration.

When pack 601 is removed (for example, corresponding to event 645), periodic transmission of the periodic data frame messages from battery pack 601 terminates.

When the termination is detected by battery packs 602-604 at event 646, pack 602 assumes the role of the master battery pack. Consequently, packs 602-604 remove the top entry of the configuration list (corresponding to pack 601) that is locally maintained at the battery packs 602-604 and periodically send the revised configuration list via data frame messages 692 a-c.

When pack 605 (pack 5) is added at event 647, pack 605 initiates the address claimed procedure 693 claiming its identification (ID) value. When successfully completed, battery packs 602-604 adds pack 5 to the bottom of the local copy of the configuration list. 605 at event 648, and subsequently the revised configuration list is broadcast via data frame messages 694 a-d. With an aspect of the embodiments related to balancing, as will be discussed, the in-rush of electrical current among multiple Li-ion battery packs in a large-format battery pack system is an undesirable phenomenon arising with Li-ion battery cells since a large in-rush electrical current may reduce the life of Li-ion battery cells. This phenomenon may occur due to a large variation of SoC values among the battery packs in the battery system. For example, when a brand-new Li-ion battery pack is added to a battery pack system, its capacity (e.g., energy level) at the beginning of its new life may be notably different than capacities of the battery cells of older battery packs already present in the battery pack system. This energy level differential between the cells of the new battery pack and the cells of the older battery packs can potentially damage the other Li-ion battery cells in the battery pack system. The aspect involves a balancing technique that leverages the internal (not external) battery management system and the master-slave topology.

As previously discussed, some embodiments order a configuration list based on the time that battery packs are connected to the communication channel (for example, CAN bus). With this approach, the oldest battery pack is designated as the master battery pack. However, other embodiments may use different approaches. For example, the members of the configuration list may be ordered from top to bottom by decreasing values of the open circuit voltages of the battery packs. The open circuit voltage of a battery pack may be measured when the battery pack's discharging array is disabled (in other words, the battery pack is not discharging onto the power bus of the battery system).

Each battery pack can share its measured open circuit voltage with the other battery packs that are connected to the communication channel. Based on the measured open circuit voltages, a configuration list is maintained, where entries for each battery pack are listed by decreasing order. The battery pack corresponding to the top entry has the largest open circuit voltage and serves as the master battery pack for battery system. With an exemplary embodiment, a battery system comprises first, second, and third battery packs having open circuit voltages V_(open1), V_(open2), and V_(open3), respectively, where V_(open2)>V_(open3)>V_(open1). The top entry of the configuration list is associated with the second battery pack (the master battery pack) followed by an entry for the third battery pack followed by an entry for the first battery pack. Consequently, if the second battery were to fail, the third battery pack would assume the role of the master battery pack.

With some embodiments, the battery packs in a battery system are assigned an ID and at the same time the open circuit voltage may be measured and stored in the configuration list. In the infrequent situation where the open circuit voltages of two battery packs are equal, one battery pack may be chosen randomly or may be chosen by the highest number ID.

The configuration list may be updated as battery packs are installed into the battery system. For example, a battery pack that is installed after discharging begins would initially enter in a standby mode (where the discharging array is disabled) so that an open circuit voltage can be measured by the battery pack. The newly installed battery pack could than share the measured open circuit voltage with the other battery packs via the communication channel. With some embodiments, the configuration list can then be updated with an entry for the newly installed battery pack based on the measured open circuit voltage. However, with some embodiments, the current configuration list may remain unchanged until the battery packs being discharged are disconnected from the battery system.

With some embodiments, the configuration list may be centrally maintained by the master battery pack. However, with some embodiments, each battery pack in the battery system may maintain its own copy of the configuration list based on information shared via the communication channel.

With an aspect of the embodiments related to balancing, as will be discussed, the in-rush of electrical current among multiple Li-ion battery packs in a large-format battery pack system is an undesirable phenomenon arising with Li-ion battery cells since a large in-rush electrical current may reduce the life of Li-ion battery cells. This phenomenon may occur due to a large variation of SoC values among the battery packs in the battery system. For example, when a brand-new Li-ion battery pack is added to a battery pack system, its capacity (e.g., energy level) at the beginning of its new life may be notably different than capacities of the battery cells of older battery packs already present in the battery pack system. This energy level differential between the cells of the new battery pack and the cells of the older battery packs can potentially damage the other Li-ion battery cells in the battery pack system. The aspect involves a balancing technique that leverages the internal (not external) battery management system and the master-slave topology.

With an aspect of the embodiment, different balance techniques for Li-ion battery cells may be supported in a large-format battery pack system. For example, the aspect includes three balancing techniques: “smart converter balancing,” “start direct balancing,” and “start staggered balancing” that may be used in a medium-large battery pack implementation to ensure the safe use and longevity of the Li-ion battery cells. The aspect may utilize a converter (with a cell pre-charge circuit) for charge balancing each battery pack to prevent and/or limit in-rush electrical current, over-current faults, and/or short-circuit faults.

FIG. 9A shows flowchart 700 for determining a balancing type for a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

At block 701, the master battery pack transitions from a sleep state. For example, when an end device is not being used, the master battery pack may periodically wake up to determine whether there is a change in the operational state.

At block 702, the master battery pack determines the number of battery packs that are installed in the battery system. For example, the master pack may verify that all battery packs on the confirmation list are active on the communications channel.

At block 704, the master battery pack determines whether a minimum number of battery packs (including itself) are installed based on power requirements of a device (for example, obtained from the end device via the communication channel).

If there are not a minimum number of battery packs available to properly power the end device, then the configured battery packs are prevented from discharging at block 705 by the master battery pack instructing the slave battery packs (as well as itself) to open corresponding discharge arrays. A fault indicator is activated at block 706 that is indicative that not enough battery packs are installed to power the end device. If an additional battery pack is installed at block 707, the fault indicator is cleared at block 708. If the end device is activated or otherwise enabled at block 709 (for example, the key is in the “on” position), process 700 returns to block 704. Otherwise, process 700 returns to block 701.

Returning back to block 704, when the master battery pack determines that there are a sufficient number of battery packs, the master battery pack gathers battery pack information (for example, SoC, SoH, and voltage information) from each of the slave battery packs as well as for itself at block 710. For example, as will be discussed in further detail, the master battery pack may send a “Request for Pack Info” message to each of the configured slave battery packs and receive a “Pack Info” message from each slave battery pack in response with the requested information.

From the gathered SoC data, the master battery pack determines whether balancing is required at block 711. For example, some of the battery packs may have a high SoC while some may have a low SoC. By balancing the battery packs, a sufficient number of battery packs may be available to properly discharge in order to power the end device.

If balancing is not required, the battery system may discharge to power the end device at block 717.

If balancing is required, the type of balancing is determined at block 712. As will discussed in greater detail, embodiments may support three different types of balancing: converter balancing (block 713), direct balancing (block 714), and staggered balancing (block 715).

Tables 1 and 2 present examples of balancing in accordance with embodiments.

TABLE 1 Example of Balancing Time Pack 1 Pack 2 Pack 3 Pack 4 Type T0 100%  15% 15% 15% Converter T1 85% 20% 20% 20% Converter T2 65%  32%* 32% 32% Staggered T3 60% 38%  33%* 33% Staggered T4 54% 39% 39%  34%* Staggered T5 49%  40%* 40% 40% Staggered T6 45% 43%  41%* 41% Staggered Continue staggered balancing until completed Note: *denotes that the battery pack is being direct charged by Pack 1

TABLE 2 Example of Balancing Time Pack 1 Pack 2 Type T0 100%  15% Converter T1 85% 20% Converter T2 65% 32% Direct T3 60% 37% Direct T4 55% 42% Direct T5 48% 48% (Balancing Completed)

The above to examples illustrate that the type of balancing may change while the battery packs are being balanced. For example, with Table 1 the balancing type changes from converter balancing to staggered balancing while with Table 2 the balancing type changes from converter balancing to direct balancing.

After balancing, if the number of battery packs are available for discharging, as determined at block 716, the end device may be powered at block 717. Otherwise, the battery packs may be rebalanced based on the revised SoC values obtained from the previous balancing.

When rebalancing occurs, as determined at block 716, the rebalancing may utilize a different type of balancing than previously used. For example, converter balancing may be first applied while subsequent rebalancing may utilize staggered balancing.

FIG. 9B expands on block 712 shown in FIG. 9A for determining the type of charge balancing. For example, an embodiment may support a plurality of balancing types such as direct balancing, converter balancing, and staggered balancing as previously discussed.

At block 721, if the variability of the SoC values among the battery packs is sufficiently small, the battery system is able to power the end device at block 722. (For example, the SoC differences between all pairs of battery packs is less than a predetermined threshold.) Otherwise, process 712 proceeds with balancing the battery packs.

Block 723 identifies the battery pack with the highest SoC value so that the identified battery pack can discharge, thus providing charge to the other battery packs during balancing.

At block 724 process 712 determines whether direct balancing cannot be applied (for example, when the SoC difference between the highest SoC pack and an identified battery pack is above a predetermined SoC threshold). If so, converter balancing is applied to the identified battery pack (where the highest SoC battery pack discharges onto the power bus and the identified battery pack charges through the power bus via its converter) at block 728. When converter balancing is completed, process 712 may revert back to block 721 and determine whether balancing can be applied to a different combination of battery packs, where the balancing type may be the same or may be different (for example, direct balancing or staggered balancing).

Referring back to block 724, if direct balancing can be applied (for example, when the SoC difference between the highest SoC pack and the identified battery pack is below the predetermined SoC threshold), process 712 determines whether converter balancing can be applied to one or more other battery packs at block 725. If so, staggered balancing is applied with the highest SoC pack, the identified pack, and the one or more other packs at block 727. Otherwise, direct balancing is applied between the highest SoC pack and the identified battery pack at block 726.

FIG. 9C shows flowchart 700 for determining a balancing type for a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment.

Table 3 shows a relationship between an operational mode of a battery system and a safety interlock lock pin (indicator) and a wake pin (indicator). For example, the safety interlock pin is “On” when the battery packs are properly inserted into the battery system (as sensed by an interlocking connection through the battery pack connectors), and the wake pin is “On” when a user turns a key to activate a powered appliance (end device).

TABLE 3 Mode of Operation Wake Pin Safety Interlock Pin Mode Off Off Off (Sleep) Off On Balancing On On Charging/Discharging On Off Off (Sleep)

When in the off (sleep) mode, the discharging and charging arrays of the battery packs are disabled, and the battery packs consume only enough electrical power so that the battery pack may transition to another state (for example, balancing mode) when the battery pack detects an appropriate signal (for example, a wake indicator).

With some of the embodiments, as shown in Table 3, a battery system may support a plurality of operational modes: Off (Sleep), Balancing, and Charging/Discharging. While a single mode is shown for charging/discharging, charging and discharging are separate operations based on the interaction of the battery system with its external environment. For example, when the wake and safety interlock indicators are on and if charger (typically external to the battery system) is sensed via a CAN bus, the battery system enters the charging state. However, if the battery system senses an end device (for example, an appliance), the battery system enters the discharging state. As will be discussed in further detail, a battery system may support “smart charging” when in the charging mode and “smart discharging” when in the discharging mode.

FIG. 9C is similar to 9A; however, process 730 includes an interaction with sleep, balancing, and charging/discharging modes in accordance with the relationship shown in Table 3. At block 731, when the safety interlock indicator is not detected, the battery system enters the sleep mode. Otherwise, the battery system (typically by the master battery pack) gathers configuration information (for example, SoC information about the different battery packs). At block 732, the battery system determines whether the wake indicator is detected. If not, the battery system enters the balancing mode. Otherwise, the battery system enters the charging/discharging mode.

FIG. 10 shows message flow scenario 800 for determining a balancing type for a plurality of battery packs based on flowchart 700 and in accordance with an embodiment. Master battery pack 802, based on the entries of the current confirmation list, confirms the availability of battery packs 803 and 804 at event 851 corresponding to messages 861 a, 861 b, 862, and 863. As previously discussed, embodiments may support different messaging protocols. For example, with the CAN protocol a data frame message may contain data in the data field that is indicative of a confirmation request or a confirmation response. As previously discussed, the interpretation of the data is in accordance with the application software executing at end device 801 and battery packs 802-804.

End device 801 provides its power requirements in message 864 so that master battery pack 802 can determine the number of battery packs needed for end device 801 at event 852.

At event 853, master battery pack 802 gathers SoC data about the other battery packs via messages 865-868. (Master battery pack 802 may use internal messaging within the battery pack to obtain SoC about itself.) For example, in accordance with the CAN protocol, data contained in Request Pack Info message 865 may be interpreted as a request from the destination battery pack while the data in Pack Info message 866 may be interpreted as the requested data (for example, SoC data) from the destination battery pack.

Based on the gathered SoC data, master battery pack 802 determines the type of balancing required (if needed) and initiates the appropriate balancing process (for example, processes shown in FIGS. 11, 13, and 15 ).

As previously discussed, embodiments may support different types of balancing, for example): converter balancing, direct balancing, and staggered balancing. Converter balancing typically requires a longer time period than direct balancing,

While the processes shown in FIGS. 11, 13, and 15 are typically performed at the master battery pack, the master battery need not be changing or discharging during balancing. This determination is based on the SoC values of battery cells 203 (shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively) and not on whether a battery pack is a master battery pack or a slave battery pack.

FIG. 11 shows flowchart 713 (referenced in FIG. 9A) for converter balancing with a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment. Block 901 starts converter balancing, where one of the battery packs (either the master battery pack or one of the slave master packs) charges one or more of the other battery packs.

With converter balancing, charge of a single battery pack is transferred to one or more battery packs via converters on each of the charged battery packs. Consequently, two or more battery packs are involved with this type of balancing.

While not explicitly shown, the master battery pack gathers SoC data about all of the battery packs, including itself. For example, the master battery pack may request battery status information from the other battery packs via the CAN bus and internally obtain its own SoC data.

At block 902, the master battery pack enables the battery pack with the highest SoC for discharging by enabling the discharging array. The master battery pack also enables one or more of the battery packs with the lowest SoC to accept the charge from the discharging battery pack by enabling the charging array and the on-board converter.

The master battery pack obtains SoC values from the above battery packs at block 904 and continues the balancing process at block 905 until a desired charge balance is obtained at block 905. If the charge balance is sufficient, the battery pack may be used to power the end device. However, a faster mode of balancing (for example, direct balancing as will be discussed) may be subsequently applied.

FIG. 12 shows a message flow scenario for converter balancing with a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment. Battery packs 1002, 1003, and 1004 initially have SoC values of 100%, 65%, and 65%, respectively. As previously discussed, master battery pack 1002 may obtain the SoC values by requesting battery status information and receiving the status information via data frame messages over a CAN bus.

At event 1051, master battery pack 1002 determines that packs 1003 and 1004 are to be charged by itself (pack 1002). To do so, master battery pack enables its own discharging array and enables the charging arrays and converters via messages 1061 and 1062. Balancing continues until a desired balancing charge obtained (80%, 75%, and 75%) at event 1052. At that time, the balancing ends so that master battery pack disables its charging array and disables the charging arrays and converters of battery packs 1003 and 1004 via messages 1063 and 1064.

FIG. 13 shows flowchart 714 for direct balancing with a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment. When process 700, as shown in FIG. 9A, determines that direct balancing should be performed, the master battery pack initiates direct balancing at block 1101.

With direct balancing, one of the battery packs is charging another battery pack through a low impedance electrical path. Consequently, only two battery packs are involved with type of balancing.

While not explicitly shown, the master battery pack obtains SoC values for all installed battery packs in the battery system. In order to do so, the master battery pack sends status requests to the slave battery packs and receives status information (for example, SoC values) from the slave battery packs via messaging on the communication channel. However, because the master battery knows about its own battery cell status, only internal messaging for the master battery is needed.

At block 1102 the master battery pack instructs the battery pack with the higher SoC to start discharging by enabling its discharging array and at block 1103 instructs one of the battery pack with the lower SoC to start charging by enabling its charging array.

At block 1104, the master battery pack gathers SoC data from the batter packs being charge balanced. When an acceptable SoC is reached at block 1105, direct balancing is terminated at block 1106.

FIG. 14 shows a message flow scenario for direct balancing with a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment. The master battery pack (pack 1201) gathers initial SoC values 80%, 70%, and 90% for battery packs 1201, and 1202, and 1203, respectively.

Because pack 1202 has the lowest SoC and pack 1203 has the highest SoC, the master battery pack instructs battery pack 1202 to enable its charging array and battery pack 1203 to enable its discharging array via messages 1261 and 1262, respectively.

When the SoC values of battery packs 1202 and 1203 reach 80%, the master battery pack (pack 1202) determines that direct balancing is competed at event 1251 and consequently disables the charging array and the discharging array via messages 1263 and 1264, respectively.

FIG. 15 shows flowchart 714 for staggered balancing with a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment. When process 700, as shown in FIG. 9A, determines that staggered balancing should be performed, the master battery pack initiates staggered balancing at block 1301.

Staggered balancing utilizes algorithmic direct balancing. With staggered balancing, one of the battery packs (typically the highest SoC value) direct charges another battery pack with a lower SoC while charges one or more other lower SoC battery packs through converter balancing (where the converter located on the charged battery pack is enabled). In order to keep the other lower SoC battery packs within an acceptable range, direct balancing may switch to a different lower SoC battery pack while the previous lower SoC battery pack is now converter balanced.

At blocks 1301 and 1302, direct balancing is established with a battery pack with the highest SOC with another battery pack in the group with a low SoC similar to blocks 1101 and 1102 as shown in FIG. 13 . However, converter balancing is established with some or all of the battery packs in the low SoC group at block 1304.

At block 1305, the master battery pack gathers the updated SoC values of the participating battery packs. When the battery pack being directed charge reaches a determined SoC threshold (for example, when an imbalance occurs one of the battery packs in the low SoC group), direct balancing is established with another battery pack in the low SoC group at block 1307.

When all of the battery packs are within an acceptable SoC range, as determined at block 1308, staggered balancing is terminated at block 1309.

FIGS. 16-17 show a message flow scenario for staggered balancing with a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment. The master battery pack (pack 1401) gathers initial SoC values 60%, 60%, and 100% at battery packs 1401, and 1402, and 1403, respectively.

At event 1451, master battery pack 1401 initiates direct balancing between battery packs 1402 (in the low SoC group) and 1403 (the highest SoC) and to establish converter balancing between battery 1403 and itself (also in the low SoC group). Consequently, master battery pack 1401 sends messages 1461 and 1462, corresponding to battery packs 1402 and 1403, respectively, over the communication channel and to generate any internal messaging, as necessary, to enable its charging array and converter.

As a result of the balancing, the SoC values of battery packs 1401, 1402, and 1403 change to 62%, 70%, and 88%, respectively. Because of the charge imbalance between battery packs 1401 and 1402, master battery pack 1401 establishes direct balancing between battery pack 1403 and itself and establishes converter balancing for pack 1402. Consequently, at event 1452, master battery pack 1401 instructs battery pack 1402 to enable its converter (so that charging occurs now via the converter rather than directly) via message 1463 and to disable its own converter so that its battery cells are directly exposed to charging.

Referring to FIG. 17 , as a result of the balancing, the SoC values of battery packs 1401, 1402, and 1403 change to 72%, 72%, and 76%, respectively. At event 1453, master battery pack 1401 determines that balancing has completed and terminates the staggered balancing by sending messages 1464 and 1465 to battery packs 1403 and 1402, respectively, and internally disables its charging array.

Referring to FIG. 17 , as a result of the balancing, the SoC values of battery packs 1401, 1402, and 1403 change to 72%, 72%, and 76%, respectively. At event 1453, master battery pack 1401 determines that balancing has completed and terminates the staggered balancing by sending messages 1464 and 1465 to battery packs 1403 and 1402, respectively, and internally disables its charging array.

Intelligent systems and algorithmic methods (for example, process 1700 as shown in FIG. 19 ) may ensure that SoC's corresponding to the plurality of battery packs may become more balanced, e.g., to ensure that the plurality of battery packs can be charged together. In various embodiments, a battery pack may include one or more batteries and/or may comprise a device that may include one or more batteries. The one or more batteries of a battery pack may share various characteristics (e.g., a state of charge, a state of health, etc.). Furthermore, each battery pack can be enabled or disabled, e.g., in their ability to charge or discharge other battery packs or end devices.

Still referring to FIG. 18 , battery packs that have a large SoC variation may not be immediately connected with charger 1601. For example, as shown in FIG. 18 , battery packs 1602 a and 1603 a, which each have lower SoC's (e.g., 20% and 20%, respectively) than other battery packs, may be charged earlier (e.g., before the other battery packs) until a set threshold can be reached at which a batter pack with a higher SoC (e.g., battery pack 1604 b) can be charged. Prioritizing the charging of battery packs with lower SoC's before the charging of battery packs with higher SoC's may be necessary, e.g., because otherwise, charging the higher battery pack with the higher SoC first may cause a fast in-rush electrical current to the lower SOC pack. In some aspects, systems and devices presented herein may cause the charging of the various battery packs by enabling the flow of electric discharge arrays between a charger and the respective battery packs.

As shown in FIG. 18 , initially charging battery packs 1602 a and 1603 a causes their SoC's to increase from 20% to 40% (e.g., as shown in 1602 b and 1603 b). Charging may continue for battery packs 1602 b-1604 b until the SoC level of battery pack 1605 b is reached. At that point, battery pack 1605 b may be enabled so that charging can continue for battery packs 1602 b-1605 b.

FIG. 19 shows an example flowchart of a method 1700 for charging a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an embodiment. Method 1700 may be performed by a computing device having one or more processors, which may be communicatively linked to one or more of the plurality of battery packs and/or to the charger. Also or alternatively, the computing device performing method 1700 may comprise a battery pack (e.g., a “master battery pack” or a “master battery pack”) that has a capability of managing one or more functions of other battery packs of the plurality of battery packs. After obtaining the SoC values of the battery packs in a battery system, a subset of the battery packs may be grouped into a lower SoC group at block 1701. For example, the obtained SoC values (e.g., SoC readings) may be sorted into various levels, e.g., based on predetermined ranges. Those battery packs having the lowest SoC values may be grouped into the lowest level. Battery packs within a specified level may have SoC values that are within a specified or predetermined range of one another. Those battery packs having the second lowest of SoC values (e.g., SoC values that are higher than those of the lowest level but lower than the rest of the battery packs) may be placed into the second lowest level. As used herein, a “Lower SoC Packs” may refer to the battery packs of a list comprising (1) the group of battery packs of the lowest level of SoC values and (2) the group of battery packs of the second lowest level of SoC values.

At block 1702, an SoC threshold may be determined. The SoC threshold may be approximately equal to the SoC value of the group of one or more battery packs having SoC values just above the group of battery packs with the lowest SoC values. For example, the SoC threshold may be based on the SoC values of the second lowest level (e.g., an average of the SoC values of the battery packs of the second lowest level).

The battery packs of the group with the lowest levels of SoC can be enabled for charging at block 1703, e.g., facilitating the charging of the battery packs having the lowest level of SoC. In some aspects, the charging may be enabled if one or both of the safety interlock pin or the wake pin is set to “on,” as discussed previously.

When the SoC values of the charged battery packs reach the SoC threshold, as determined at block 1704, process 1700 may include determining whether to enlarge the list (e.g., the “Lower SoC Packs” list of step 1701) for subsequent charging at block 1705. The determination of whether to enlarge the list may be based on whether there is significant variability in to SoC of the battery packs (e.g., whether the SoC variability of the battery packs satisfies an SoC variability threshold), as will be described further in relation to FIG. 20C. If the list is to be enlarged, the SoC threshold may be updated (e.g., based on determining the second lowest level of SoC's in the updated list), the selected battery packs may be enabled, and charging may continue at blocks 1706 and 1707.

FIG. 20A shows a message flow scenario for charging a plurality of battery packs for the example shown in FIG. 18 . In this scenario, charger 1801 a may perform one or more iterations of gathering SoC data (e.g., receive SoC readings) from a plurality of battery packs (e.g., battery packs 1802 a-1805 a), identifying SoC levels to form lists based on the SoC levels, and enabling the charging of selected battery packs to SoC thresholds via the communication channel (for example, a CAN bus). For example, at event 1851 a, charger 1801 a may gather initial SoC values 20%, 20%, 40%, and 60% from battery packs 1802 a, 1803 a, 1804 a, and 1805 a, respectively.

At event 1851 b, charger 1801 a may determine that the group of battery packs with the lowest level of SoC values includes battery packs 1802 a and 1803 a, and that the group of battery packs with a higher (e.g., second lowest) level of SoC values includes battery pack 1804 a. A list of battery packs may be formed and may include the battery packs at the lowest levels of SoC and the battery pack at the higher (e.g., second lowest level).

At event 1851 c, the charger 1801 a may enable the charging of group of the battery packs with the lowest level of SoC values (e.g., battery packs 1802 a and 1803 a) via messages 1861 and 1862. Charging may continue until the SoC values for these battery packs satisfy an SoC threshold based on a group of one or more battery packs having higher SoC values (e.g., the battery pack having the second lowest level of SoC values (e.g., battery pack 1804 a at 40%)).

At event 1852 a, the charger 1801 a may gather SoC values for all packs. As shown in FIG. 20A, the SoC values for battery packs 1802 a and 1803 a will have increased to 40% as a result of the aforementioned charging at event 1851 c. At event 1852 b, charger 1801 a may determine to expand the list of battery packs determined at event 1851 a. For example, an SoC variability may be determined for battery packs 1802 a-1805 a, and the list may be expanded based on the SoC variability being significant enough to satisfy a SoC variability threshold. In the scenario depicted in FIG. 20A, battery pack 1806 a has an SoC value of 60%, which is different from the updated SoC value if 40% for battery packs 1802 a, 1803 a, and 1804 a. Thus, battery packs 1802 a, 1803 a, 1804 a, and 1805 a exhibit SoC variability, which may cause the charger 1801 a to enlarge the list. The enlarged list may include an updated group of one or more battery packs with the lowest level of SoC values (e.g., battery packs 1802 a, 1803 a, 1804 a) and an updated group of one or more battery packs with a higher level of SoC values (e.g., battery pack 1805 a). The former group (e.g., the group of battery packs with the lowest level of SoC values) may thus include battery pack 1804 a. At event 1852 c, the charger 1801 a may thus enable the charging of battery packs 1802 a, 1803 a, and 1804 a via message 1863.

FIG. 20B shows an example message flow scenario for charging a plurality of battery packs for the example shown in FIG. 18 . However, rather than charger 1801 b gathering SoC data and enabling the battery packs, master battery pack 1802 b does so when charger 1801 b is detected via connection indicator 1871. Connection indicator 1871 may be obtained by different approaches, including messaging over a communication channel, a pin, and so forth.

FIG. 20C shows an example flowchart of a method 1800C for intelligently charging a plurality of battery packs, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment. Method 1800C may be performed by a computing device having one or more processors. The computing device may be a standalone device communicatively linked to one or more of the battery packs and/or to the charger. Also or alternatively, the computing device may comprise one of the battery packs (e.g., a master battery pack) that has the capability of managing one or more functions of the other battery packs of the plurality of battery packs. Also or alternatively, the computing device may comprise the charger.

As discussed previously, each battery pack may have a state of charge (SoC) indicating, e.g., a degree or level of charge relative to its capacity. At step 1874, the computing device may receive a reading (e.g., first reading) of the SoC of each of the plurality of battery packs. The reading may be obtained via a sensor or a monitor at each battery pack. As discussed previously, the SoC's may vary among a plurality of battery packs or may remain relatively constant. An SoC variability (e.g., a first SoC variability) may be computed to indicate a degree of variability of the SoC of the plurality of battery packs (e.g., as in step 1875).

The SoC variability may be based on the SoC's of each of the respective battery packs obtained in step 1874. For example, an SoC variability may be based on one or more of a variance, a standard deviation, a range (e.g., an interquartile range), a mean absolute difference, a median absolute deviation, an average absolute deviation, a distance standard deviation, or a like metric based on the SoC values of each of the plurality of battery packs. For example, in Table 1 discussed above, which comprises a plurality of battery packs (e.g., Pack 1, Pack 2, Pack 3, and Pack 4), there is greater SoC variability at time T0 than there is at time T6. In one aspect, where SoC variability is determined on the basis of a computed range of SoC values, the SoC variability of the battery packs at T0 is 85 (i.e., 100%-15%), whereas the SoC variability at T6 is only 4 (e.g., 45%-41%). If “5” is set as an SoC variability threshold, then the SoC variability at T6 may be said to have satisfied (e.g., fall below) the threshold.

In some aspects, before the computing device can receive the SoC readings, an interlock safety pin may need to allow interaction with the battery packs to occur. For example, the computing device may initially determine that the interlock safety pin allows the receiving the SoC readings from the plurality of battery packs.

The computing device may store, e.g., in memory device 202, a metric indicating an SoC's variability threshold, e.g., to indicate whether variability of the SoC's is insignificant. For example, if an SoC of a battery pack (e.g., first battery pack) is significantly lower than an SoC of another battery pack (e.g., a second battery pack), it is likely that the SoC variability will be significant and therefore not satisfy the SoC variability threshold. At step 1876, the computing device may thus determine whether the SoC variability (e.g., as computed in step 1875) satisfies the SoC variability threshold.

If the SoC variability does not satisfy the SoC variability threshold (e.g., the variation in SoC's among the plurality of battery packs is significant) the computing device may establish an SoC threshold (e.g., as in step 1878) The SoC threshold may be based on the SoC reading of battery pack having the next higher SoC reading (e.g., the second battery pack) after the battery pack with the lowest SoC (e.g., the first battery pack). Thus, the computing device may identify the lowest SoC readings in order to determine the next higher SoC reading (e.g., as in 1877). For example, as discussed in relation to FIG. 18 , battery pack 1604 a had an SoC of 40%, which is the next higher SoC after the lowest SoC of the battery packs of 20% belonging to battery packs 1602 a and 1603 a. Thus, based on the example show in relation to FIG. 18 , an SoC threshold may be set to 40%.

Furthermore, at step 1879, the computing device may cause the charging of battery packs that have lower SoC's than the established SoC threshold, e.g., by enabling electric charge arrays from the charger to the battery packs. The charging may cause the SoC's of the battery packs to increase, e.g., so that it approaches, matches, and/or satisfies the SoC threshold.

In some aspects, before the computing device can cause the charging of any battery packs, a wake pin, as discussed previously, may need to allow for the charging to occur. For example, the wake pin may need to be set to “on” before a charging can occur. The computing device may initially determine that the wake pin is set to “on” before causing the charging of the battery packs.

This can be detected by the computing device via an additional reading (e.g., a second reading) of the SoC's of each of the plurality of battery packs. Furthermore, the computing device may determine or compute, based on the additional reading, a second SoC variability of the plurality of battery packs. The second SoC variability may be found to satisfy the SOC variability threshold.

If the second SoC variability is not found to satisfy the SoC variability threshold, one or more steps of method 1800C may be repeated until the SoC variability threshold is satisfied. For example, a new SoC threshold may be set based on the next higher SoC after the lowest SoC, and causing the charging of the battery packs with the lowest SoC's.

Thus, one or more iterations of the following can be performed after an updated SOC variability of the plurality of battery packs satisfies the SOC variability threshold: The computing device may identify an Nth group of one or more battery packs within the plurality of battery back devices, wherein the Nth group may have the lowest level of a previous reading of the SOC of the plurality of battery packs; the computing device may also identify an (N+1) group of one or more battery packs of the plurality of battery back devices, wherein the (N+1) group can have the second lowest level of the previous reading of the SOC of the plurality of battery packs; and the computing device may generate a list comprising the n group and the N+1 group. In each iteration, the computing device may determine that the SOC variability of the list in the current iteration does not satisfy the SOC variability threshold. If the SoC variability does satisfy the SoC threshold, the computing device may exit the iterations loop. However, assuming the SoC variability at each iteration does not satisfy the SoC variation threshold, the computing device may an SOC threshold using the previous reading of the SOC of the N+1 group. Subsequently, the computing device may cause, via electric charge arrays, the charging of the N group of battery packs to cause the SOC of the N group to increase and satisfy the SOC threshold. The computing device may receive a subsequent reading of an SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs. An updated SoC variability of the plurality of battery packs may thus be determined based on the subsequent reading of the SoC of each of the plurality of battery packs. As discussed, the above steps may be repeated until the SoC variability (updated at each iteration) satisfies the SoC variability threshold (e.g., the SoCs of the battery packs vary less than a specified range).

The following FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B show two examples of a battery system powering an end device based on power requirements of the end device. In FIG. 21A, only one battery pack is needed to power end device 1901 a, b while in FIG. 21B, more than one battery pack is needed to power end device 1911 a, b.

FIG. 21A shows an example of a plurality of battery packs discharging in order to electrically power an end device in accordance with an embodiment. The initial SoC values of battery packs 1902 a-1905 a are 40%, 40%, 40%, and 60%, respectively. As shown in FIG. 21A, a single battery pack (e.g., battery pack 1905 a having an SoC of 60%) may initially be used to power end device 1901 a until the SoC value of the single battery pack reaches 40% (the same SoC values as the other battery packs) (e.g., as in battery pack 1905 b). Using only a group of one or more battery packs having the highest or higher SoC level (in this case the single battery pack 1905 a) to initially power an end device, until the SoC values of the group reaches those of the rest of the pack, may be a more efficient and/or safe method of utilizing battery packs to power an end device. As shown in FIG. 21A, after the single battery pack with the initially higher SoC value has been used to initially power the end device, and its SoC readings reach those of the other battery packs (e.g., battery packs 1902 b-1905 b), the other battery packs may join in powering the end device 1901 b.

FIG. 21B shows another example of a plurality of battery packs discharging in order to electrically power an end device in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21B, the initial SoC values of battery packs 1912 a-1915 a are 40%, 40%, 40%, and 60%, respectively. In some aspects, more than one battery pack may be needed to power end device 1911 a-b. In such aspects, various systems and methods presented herein may be used to balance the battery packs before powering end device 1911 a-b. The balancing of battery packs 1912 a-1914 a may be performed, e.g., to safeguard against the risk of an undesired electrical current in-rush from battery pack 1915 a, which may occur in the absence of the balancing. When balancing is achieved, battery packs 1912 b-1915 b can then power end device 1911 b.

When powering an end device (for example, a machine), connecting battery packs with varying SoC's may be problematic. Consequently, to prevent such problematic situations, a process (often implementing an intelligent method) may be needed to ensure that a required number of battery packs are connected for system discharge and enabled when appropriate.

Typically, when multiple battery packs are needed to power an end device, it may be advisable for battery packs with large SoC variations to not be connected at the same time. Rather, balancing of the battery packs may be performed initially.

Discharging may use one or more battery packs with higher SoC values first until passing a set threshold for lower SoC battery packs, at which point the lower SoC battery packs may be enabled.

Processes 2000 and 2010 shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, respectively, are based on the above guidelines.

FIG. 22A shows process 2000 for discharging a plurality of battery packs in order to power an end device. At blocks 2001-2003, initial SoC values of the battery packs are gathered and balancing may be performed based on the SoC variation and the power requirements of the end device. FIG. 21B, as discussed previously, is an example illustration of the process of balancing the battery packs, as described in blocks 2001-2003. However, as will be described in blocks 2004-2008, some aspects of the present disclosure may involve the initial powering of an end device by a single or limited number of battery packs having a higher SoC level, before other battery packs can join in the powering of the end device. FIG. 21A, as discussed previously, is an example illustration of the process of powering an end device by a limited number of battery packs initially and expanding the list of battery backs that can power the end device.

Referring now to block 2001 a, a power requirement of the end device may be obtained, and a first reading of a SoC of each of the plurality of battery packs may be obtained. The plurality of battery packs may include various battery packs or groups of battery packs with varying SoC values. At block 2001 b, an SOC variability may be calculated to determine a degree to which the SoC values vary among the plurality of battery packs. Also or alternatively, the highest SoC level may be identified, and the computing device may determine that not all of the battery packs have SoC values the highest SoC level.

Depending on the SoC variability, the plurality of battery packs may pose a risk if they are used to concurrently power the end device. As discussed previously in relation to FIG. 21A, if a group of one or more of the plurality of battery packs has SoC values at a level that is significantly greater than the SoC's of the rest of the plurality of battery packs, it may be advisable to initially power the end device only using the group with the significantly greater SoC values (e.g., without the concurrent powering by the other battery packs of the plurality of battery packs). The computing device may allow a group of a single or a restricted number of battery packs to power an end device by only enabling the corresponding discharge arrays of the group. The pathway of allowing the group to power the end device is shown in blocks 2004-2008.

Another way to address the above-described and similar risks may be to balance the battery packs, and thereby reduce the SoC variability of the plurality of battery packs, as discussed previously in relation to 21B. For example, one group of battery packs (e.g., a first group) may have SoC values that are at a level lower than another group of battery packs (e.g., a second group). An SoC variability of the plurality of devices may be calculated and found to not satisfy an SoC variability threshold (e.g., the range between the highest and lowest SoC values is too high) based on the variation in SoC between the first group and second group. The computing device may thus determine that a balancing is required (e.g., “Yes” at block 2002) based on the SoC variability not satisfying (e.g., falling within) the SoC variability threshold. The battery packs may thus be balanced according to previously discussed methods as shown in FIG. 21B.

The computing device may consequently determine whether or not a balancing is not required (e.g., “No” at block 2002). The decision may be a preference provided (e.g., configured) to the computing device by an operator of the computing device. Also or alternatively, the decision may be based on two or more SoC variability thresholds. For example, if the SoC variability of the plurality of battery packs is higher than a higher SoC variability threshold (e.g., a first SoC variability threshold), the pathway of balancing the battery packs may be triggered. If the SoC variability is not higher than the first SoC variability threshold but is still higher than a second SoC variability threshold (which is not as high as the first SoC variability threshold), the pathway depicted in blocks 2004-2008 may be triggered (e.g., causing battery pack(s) with higher SoCs to initially power the end device).

Referring now to blocks 2004-2005, a group of one or more battery packs may be identified and enabled (e.g., by enabling the corresponding discharge arrays) to power the end device. The group may be identified by identifying the battery packs with SoCs at the highest level, or at least at a higher level than other battery packs. The computing device may thus cause the group to power the end device, thereby beginning the discharging of the group of battery packs (e.g., as in block 2005). The group of discharging battery packs may reach a lower SoC level. The resulting lower SoC level of the group, which initially had a higher SoC level, may result in a lower SoC variability for the plurality of battery packs. The computing device may thus determine the updated SoC variability at block 2006. If the updated SoC variability fails to satisfy the SoC variability threshold (e.g., there are still battery packs with higher SoC levels), the additional battery packs may be similarly identified and enabled to power the end device at blocks 2004-2005. After the SoC variability of the plurality of battery packs satisfies the SoC variability threshold (e.g., there is not much variation in the SoC levels of the plurality of battery packs), the computing device may allow all battery packs to power the end device.

Also or alternatively, both of the above-described pathways (e.g., blocks 2002-2003 and blocks 2004-2008, respectively) may be combined. For example, after balancing has been performed at block 2003, a second reading of the SoC's of each of the plurality of battery packs may be obtained, and a second SoC variability may be calculated. The SoC variability may satisfy the SoC variability threshold, e.g., the SoC's of the plurality of battery packs may vary less and/or have a reduced range. Subsequently, the plurality of battery packs may concurrently power the end device.

FIG. 22B shows process 2010 for discharging a plurality of battery packs in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Process 2010 is similar to process 2000; however, some of the battery packs may be sequestered based on a state of health (SoH) of the battery packs. Battery packs with a low SoH may be sequestered and used only when needed.

At blocks 2011-2013, the SoC and SoH values of the battery packs may be gathered. The battery packs with SoH values that do not satisfy a predetermined SoH threshold may be sequestered, and in order to enabled after non-sequestered battery packs have been used. Non-sequestered battery packs (e.g., battery packs with SoH levels that satisfy the SoH threshold). may be used to initially power the end device based on the end device requirements and SoC values of the battery packs, as explained herein.

For example, at block 2013, the battery packs with SoC values that satisfy an SoC threshold (e.g., the SoC values are above the next highest level of SoC among the plurality of battery packs) may be enabled to power an end device, thereby resulting in the discharging of these battery packs at block 2014. As shown in blocks 2014-2016, the enabled battery packs can be discharged until a lower SoC value is reached (e.g., the SoC fail to satisfy the SoC threshold). At that time, additional non-sequestered battery packs may be enabled at block 2017. However, when no non-sequestered battery packs are available, the sequestered battery packs may be considered at 2018-2020.

Sequestering low SoH battery packs may be beneficial since usage of older battery packs (often associated with a low SoH value) may be reduced, thus extending the life of those battery packs.

FIG. 23 shows a message flow scenario for discharging a plurality of battery packs for the example shown in FIG. 21A. Battery packs 2002-2005 initially have SoC values of 40%, 40%, 40%, and 60%, respectively. Power requirements of end device 2101 may be obtained from master battery pack 2102 via message 2161 over the communication channel (for example, a CAN bus), where only one battery pack is needed to power end device 2101. Consequently, in accordance with process 2100, master battery pack 2102 may enable battery pack 2105 for discharging via message 2162.

When battery pack 2105 reaches the SoC value of the other battery packs, master battery pack 2102 enables battery packs 2103 and 2104 via messages 2163 and 2164 and may enable itself via internal messaging.

In some aspects, a process (for example, process 2200 as will be discussed) may be directed to a “limp home mode” operation for a failed Li-ion battery cell in a large-format battery pack system. A “Limp home mode” operation can safely mitigate a catastrophic failure in a system. For example, the voltage of a battery cell may become very low (e.g., below a predetermined voltage threshold), indicative of a failing battery cell. With a medium-large battery pack implementation, the internal battery management system may preemptively diagnose a failure and consequently may mitigate the failure by initiating a partial shutdown of the battery pack such that the equipment (end device) being powered by the battery system does not require a total shutdown and can still “limp home.”

FIG. 24 a flowchart for limp home mode operation in accordance with an embodiment. At block 2201, the master battery pack detects a catastrophic failure of one or more of the battery cells of one of the battery packs powering the end device. For example, a cell voltage in the battery pack may drop below an acceptable minimum threshold, a maximum current is exceeded, and/or a battery cell temperature is above an allowable range.

When the master battery pack detects the catastrophic failure, the master battery pack determines whether an extra battery pack is needed at block 2202. For example, a battery system may have activated four battery packs when an end device needs only three battery packs with a given SoC level. If so, process 2200 disables the bad battery pack and continues operation at block 2203.

However, if the extra battery pack is needed, the master battery pack determines whether an unused battery pack (which may be the master battery pack itself) in the battery system is available at block 2204. If so, the master battery pack disables the bad battery pack (for example, disabling the discharging array) and enables the extra battery pack (for example, enabling the discharging array) at block 2205. If more than one extra battery pack is available, the master battery pack may select the extra battery pack having the largest SoC value in order to continue service for the largest possible time. However, when no extra battery packs are available and degraded operation of the end device is permitted, as determined at block 2206, the master battery pack disables the bad battery pack and sends a failure alert message to the end device about degraded operation at block 2208. However, if degraded operation is not acceptable for the end device, power is removed from the end device at block 2207 to shut down the end device.

When a fault occurs at a slave battery pack, it is possible that the slave battery pack does not send a message to the master battery pack under various failure modes. However, the master battery pack may determine that there is no longer communication from the slave battery pack and adjust a power level (derate) to the end device.

While the bad battery pack may be a slave battery pack, the master battery pack itself may be the bad battery pack. For example, a fault may occur with one of its battery cells while the processing capabilities of the master battery pack is not compromised. If so, the master battery pack may internally disable its own discharging array, attempt to enable the discharging array of a spare battery pack, and continue operating as the master battery pack.

With some embodiments, when the master battery pack has faulted, a new master battery pack may be assigned even if the faulty master battery pack is still operational. This approach ensures that the faulty master battery pack does not compromise the integrity of the overall handling of the other battery packs.

With some embodiments, when the master battery pack has faulted, a new master battery pack may be assigned to allow continued derated performance when communication to the faulty master battery is lost.

FIG. 25A shows a message flow scenario for limp home mode operation in accordance with an embodiment. With this scenario, a spare battery pack (e.g., pack 2104 a) is available when a catastrophic failure is detected at battery pack 2103 a.

At event 2151 a, master battery pack 2102 a detects a catastrophic failure at battery pack 2103 a in response to failure notification message 2161. For example, battery pack 2103 a may provide battery status information indicative of a low battery cell voltage. The status information may be in response to a query from master battery pack 2102 a or may be autonomously sent when a catastrophic event occurs. Consequently, master battery pack 2102 a enables spare battery pack 2104 a and disables bad battery pack 2103 a via messages 2163 and 2162, respectively.

FIG. 25A shows a message flow scenario for limp home mode operation in accordance with an embodiment. With this scenario, a spare battery pack is not available.

At event 2152, similar to the message scenario in FIG. 25A, master battery pack 2102 b detects a catastrophic failure at battery pack 2103 b when receiving failure notification message 2164 from 2103 b. Because master battery pack 2102 b determines that no spare battery pack is available, master battery pack 2102 b disables battery pack 2103 b via message 2165 and sends degradation message 2166 to end device 2101 b, where end device 2101 b is able to operate in a degradation mode.

Referring to FIGS. 25A-25B. failure notification messages 2161 and 2163 may be autonomously sent from the battery pack incurring the catastrophic failure or may be sent in response to a request for battery status information from master battery pack 2102 a,b. When sent autonomously, the battery pack may detect when a battery parameter (for example, SoH or cell voltage) drops to a predetermined threshold and then sends the failure notification message to master battery pack 2102 a,b. When sent in response to a status request, master battery pack 2102 a,b, the status request repetitively (for example, periodically). The battery pack receives the status requests and, in response, provides current battery status information. When one or more of the returned battery parameters drops below a predetermined threshold, master battery pack 2102 a,b detects a catastrophic failure at the battery pack.

With some embodiments, master battery pack 2102 a,b may receive periodic battery status information from the other battery packs. When master battery pack 2102 a,b detects a sudden drop (for example, more than a predetermined difference with respect to the previous value) in one of the battery parameters (for example, cell voltage), master battery pack 2102 a,b may determine that a catastrophic failure at the corresponding battery pack is predicted or imminent and take preemptive action and/or generate a warning notification.

With some embodiments, battery cells 203 (shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively) may have a cell structure (for example, a parallel structure) so that the battery pack may deactivate the failing battery cells while the other battery cells remain enabled. In such a situation, the battery pack may operate in a degraded mode and report that the battery pack is operating in the degraded mode to master battery pack 2102 a,b.

Many illustrative embodiments are listed below in accordance with one or more aspects disclosed herein. Although many of the embodiments listed below are described as depending from other embodiments, the dependencies are not so limited.

For example, embodiment #5 (below) is expressly described as incorporating the features of embodiment #1 (below), however, the disclosure is not so limited. For example, embodiment #5 may depend any one or more of the preceding embodiments (i.e., embodiment #1, embodiment #2, embodiment #3, and/or embodiment #4). Moreover, that any one or more of embodiments #2-#12 may be incorporated into embodiment #1 is contemplated by this disclosure. Likewise, any of embodiments #1, 14, 17, 22 may be combined with one or more of the features recited in embodiments #2-13, 15-16, 18-21, and/or 23-26. Further likewise, any of embodiments #27, 39, 43 may be combined with one or more of the features recited in embodiments #28-38, 40-42, 44-46. Further likewise, any of embodiments #47, 59, 64 may be combined with one or more of the features recited in embodiments #48-58, 60-63, 65-69. Further likewise, any of embodiments #70, 87, 92 may be combined with one or more of the features recited in embodiments #71-86, 88-91, 93-94. Further likewise, any of embodiments #95, 105, 109 may be combined with one or more of the features recited in embodiments #96-104, 106-108, 110-114. In addition, that any one or more of the features in embodiments #1, 14, 17, 22, 27, 39, 43, 47, 59, 64, 70, 87, 92, 95, 105, and 109 may be combined is contemplated by this disclosure. Moreover, that any one or more of the features in embodiments #1-137 can be combined is contemplated by this disclosure.

Embodiment #1. A first battery pack configured for installation in a battery system for electrically powering an end device, wherein all installed battery packs installed in the battery system have substantially identical electrical and electronic components, the first battery pack comprising:

a communication interface circuit configured to interface to a communication channel;

a power bus interface circuit configured to interface with a power bus and to provide electrical power to the end device;

a controller comprising at least one processor; and

a memory storing controller instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to:

-   -   obtain a configuration list of installed battery packs in the         battery system, wherein a first entry corresponds to the first         battery pack;     -   when the first entry of the configuration list has a top         priority position in the configuration list, configure the first         battery pack to serve as a master battery pack of the battery         system, wherein the top priority position is indicative that the         first battery pack was installed before any other active battery         packs in the battery system;     -   revise the configuration list when a second battery pack is         installed or removed from the battery system; and     -   repetitively broadcast the configuration list to all said         installed battery packs over the communication channel via the         communication interface circuit.         Embodiment #2. The first battery pack of Embodiment #1, wherein         the controller instructions, when executed by the at least one         processor, further cause the controller to:     -   when a third battery pack is added to the battery system, detect         an insertion of the third battery pack; and     -   create a third entry for the third battery pack in the         configuration list, wherein the third entry is at a bottom         position of the configuration list.         Embodiment #3. The first battery pack of Embodiment #2, wherein         the controller instructions, when executed by the at least one         processor, further cause the controller to:     -   when the second battery pack is removed from the battery system,         detect removal of the second battery pack; and     -   delete a second entry for the second battery pack in the         configuration list.         Embodiment #4. The first battery pack of Embodiment #3, wherein         the controller instructions, when executed by the at least one         processor, further cause the controller to:     -   advance a list position of the third entry for the third battery         pack in the configuration list.         Embodiment #5. The first battery pack of Embodiment #1, wherein         the controller instructions, when executed by the at least one         processor, further cause the controller to:     -   when the first entry for the first battery pack is not at the         top priority position in the configuration list, configure the         first battery pack to serve as a first slave battery pack.         Embodiment #6. The first battery pack of Embodiment #5, wherein         the controller instructions, when executed by the at least one         processor, further cause the controller to:     -   when another battery pack is removed from the battery system and         the first entry moves to the top priority position of the         configuration list, configure the first battery pack to serve as         the master battery pack.         Embodiment #7. The first battery pack of Embodiment #1, wherein         the communication channel comprises a controller area network         (CAN) bus and wherein the controller instructions, when executed         by the at least one processor, further cause the controller to:     -   utilize a SAE J1939 Address Claim Procedure to obtain an         identification (ID) for the first battery pack, wherein the ID         is included in the first entry.         Embodiment #8. The first battery pack of Embodiment #5, wherein         the controller instructions, when executed by the at least one         processor, further cause the controller to:

when the first battery pack serves as the first slave battery pack:

-   -   receive a first request from the master battery pack; and     -   in response to the receiving the first request, respond to the         first request from the master battery pack.         Embodiment #9. The first battery pack of Embodiment #1, wherein         the controller instructions, when executed by the at least one         processor, further cause the controller to:

when the first battery pack serves as the master battery pack:

-   -   send a second request to a second slave battery pack; and     -   in response to the sending, receive a response message from the         second slave battery pack.         Embodiment #10. The first battery pack of Embodiment #1, wherein         the controller instructions, when executed by the at least one         processor, further cause the controller to:     -   when the first battery pack is removed from the battery system         and reinserted into the battery system, send a join request over         the communication channel; and     -   receive the configuration list with a fourth entry at a bottom         position in the configuration list, wherein the fourth entry is         associated with the first battery pack.         Embodiment #11. The first battery pack of Embodiment #1, the         first battery pack comprising non-volatile memory and wherein         the controller instructions, when executed by the at least one         processor, further cause the controller to:     -   store battery pack information in the non-volatile memory; and     -   when the first battery pack is removed from the battery system         and reinserted tin to the battery system, retain the battery         pack information.         Embodiment #12. The first battery pack of Embodiment #2, wherein         the controller instructions, when executed by the at least one         processor, further cause the controller to:

when the first battery pack serves as the master battery pack:

-   -   send a repetitive broadcast message to all said installed         battery packs over the communication channel via the         communication interface circuit; and     -   when a repetitive broadcast message is not received from the         third battery pack, remove the third entry from the         configuration list.         Embodiment #13. The first battery pack of Embodiment #12,         wherein the repetitive broadcast message is sent periodically         and wherein the controller instructions, when executed by the at         least one processor, further cause the controller to:     -   when a timer set to a predetermined time expires without         receiving the repetitive broadcast message, remove the third         entry from the configuration list.         Embodiment #14. A battery system configured for electrically         powering an end device and comprising a plurality of battery         packs, the battery system comprising:

a first battery pack including:

-   -   a first communication interface circuit configured to interface         to a controller area network (CAN) bus;     -   a first controller comprising at least one processor; and     -   a first memory storing controller instructions that, when         executed by the at least one processor, cause the first         controller to:     -   obtain a configuration list of installed battery packs in the         battery system, wherein a first entry corresponds to the first         battery pack;     -   when the first entry of the configuration list has a top         priority position in the configuration list, configure first         battery pack to serve as a master battery pack of the battery         system, wherein the top priority position is indicative that the         first battery pack was installed before any other active battery         packs in the battery system;     -   when the first battery pack serves as the master battery pack,         revise the configuration list when a third battery pack is         installed or removed from the battery system; and     -   repetitively broadcast the configuration list to all installed         battery packs over the CAN bus via the first communication         interface circuit; and

a second battery pack, wherein the second battery pack has electrical and electronics components identical to the first battery pack.

Embodiment #15. The battery system of Embodiment #14, wherein the second battery pack comprises:

-   -   a second communication interface circuit configured to interface         to the controller area network (CAN) bus;     -   a second controller comprising one or more processors; and     -   a second memory storing controller instructions that, when         executed by the one or more processors, cause the second         controller to:         -   obtain the configuration list of the installed battery packs             in the battery system, wherein a second entry corresponds to             the second battery pack;         -   when the second entry of the configuration list has the top             priority position in the configuration list, configure the             second battery pack to serve as the master battery pack of             the battery system, wherein the top priority position is             indicative that the second battery pack was installed before             said any other active battery packs in the battery system;         -   revise the configuration list when the third battery pack is             installed or removed from the battery system; and         -   repetitively broadcast the configuration list to all said             installed battery packs over the CAN bus via the second             communication interface circuit.             Embodiment #16. The battery system of Embodiment #15,             wherein the first controller instructions, when executed by             the one or more processors, further cause the first             controller to:     -   when the second battery pack previously served as the master         battery pack when the first entry is in a second position from         the top priority position in the configuration list, configure         the first battery pack to serve as the master battery pack.         Embodiment #17. A method of powering an end device by a battery         system, the method comprising:     -   obtaining a configuration list of installed battery packs in the         battery system, wherein a first entry corresponds to a first         battery pack;     -   when the first entry of the configuration list has a top         priority position in the configuration list, configuring the         first battery pack to serve as a master battery pack of the         battery system, wherein the top priority position is indicative         that the first battery pack was installed before any other         active battery packs in the battery system;     -   revising the configuration list when a second battery pack is         installed or removed from the battery system; and     -   repetitively broadcasting the configuration list to all         installed battery packs over a communication channel via a         communication interface circuit.         Embodiment #18. The method of Embodiment #17 further comprising:     -   when a third battery pack is added to the battery system,         detecting an insertion of the third battery pack;     -   creating a third entry for the third battery pack in the         configuration list, wherein the third entry is at a bottom         position of the configuration list; and     -   in response to the creating, broadcasting the configuration list         to said all installed battery packs configured in the battery         system via the communication channel.         Embodiment #19. The method of Embodiment #18 further comprising:     -   when the second battery pack is removed from the battery system,         detecting removal of the second battery pack; and     -   deleting a second entry for the second battery pack in the         configuration list.         Embodiment #20. The method of Embodiment #17 further comprising:     -   when the first entry for the first battery pack is not at the         top priority position in the configuration list, configure the         first battery pack to serve as a slave battery pack.         Embodiment #21. The method of Embodiment #20 further comprising:     -   when another battery pack is removed from the battery system and         the first entry moves to the top priority position of the         configuration list, configuring the first battery pack to serve         as the master battery pack.         Embodiment #22. A battery system configured for electrically         powering an end device and comprising a plurality of battery         packs, the battery system comprising:

a power bus coupled to the end device to provide electrical power to the end device;

a communication channel coupled to the plurality of battery packs;

a first battery pack including:

-   -   a first communication interface circuit configured to interface         to the communication channel;     -   a first discharging array;     -   a first processor; and     -   a first memory storing computer-executable instructions that,         when executed by the first processor, cause the first battery         pack to:     -   disable the first discharging array to prevent discharging onto         the power bus from the first battery pack;     -   obtain a first open circuit voltage measurement of the first         battery pack; and     -   share the first open circuit voltage measurement with the         plurality of battery packs via the communication channel;     -   maintain a first copy of a configuration list based on the first         open circuit voltage measurement and shared open circuit voltage         measurements from the plurality of battery packs; and     -   enable the first discharging array to allow discharging onto the         power bus; and a second battery pack including:     -   a second communication interface circuit configured to interface         to the communication channel;     -   a second discharging array electrically connected to the power         bus of the battery system;     -   a second processor; and     -   a second memory storing computer-executable instructions that,         when executed by the second processor, cause the second battery         pack to:     -   disable the second discharging array to prevent discharging onto         the power bus from the second battery pack;     -   obtain a second open circuit voltage measurement of the second         battery pack; and     -   share the second open circuit voltage measurement with the         plurality of battery packs via the communication channel;     -   maintain a second copy of the configuration list based the         second open circuit voltage measurement and the shared open         circuit voltage measurements from the plurality of battery         packs, wherein the configuration list is ordered based on         decreasing open circuit voltage measurements and wherein the top         member of the configuration list is designated as a master         battery pack of the battery system; and     -   enable the second discharging array to allow discharging onto         the power bus.         Embodiment #23. The battery system of Embodiment #22 comprising:

a third battery pack, wherein the third battery pack is installed in the battery system when the first and second battery packs are discharging onto the power bus, the third battery pack including:

-   -   a third communication interface circuit configured to interface         to the communication channel;     -   a third discharging array;     -   a third processor; and     -   a third memory storing computer-executable instructions that,         when executed by the third processor, cause the third battery         pack to:     -   disable the third discharging array to prevent discharging onto         the power bus from the third battery pack;     -   obtain a third open circuit voltage measurement of the third         battery pack; and     -   share the third open circuit voltage measurement with the         plurality of battery packs via the communication channel.         Embodiment #24. The battery system of Embodiment #23, wherein         the third memory storing computer-executable instructions that,         when executed by the third processor, cause the third battery         pack to:     -   update a third copy of the configuration list based the third         open circuit voltage measurement and the shared open circuit         voltage measurements from the plurality of battery packs.         Embodiment #25. The battery system of Embodiment #24, wherein         the updating occurs after the first and second battery packs are         disconnected from the battery system.         Embodiment #26. The battery system of Embodiment #24, wherein         the updating occurs while the first and second battery packs are         discharging onto the power bus.         Embodiment #27. A method of powering an end device by a battery         system, the battery system comprising a plurality of previously         installed battery packs, wherein the plurality of previously         installed battery packs include a master battery pack, the         method comprising:

inserting an additional battery pack into the battery system establishing a first connection to a power bus and a second connection to a communication bus;

interacting, by the additional battery pack, with the master battery pack; and

in response to the interacting, preventing an in-rush current from the additional battery pack to one of the plurality of previously installed battery packs.

Embodiment #28. The method of Embodiment #27, wherein the preventing comprises:

receiving, by the additional battery pack from the master battery pack, a first disable message via the communication bus, wherein the first disable message instructs the additional battery pack to disable charging and discharging through the power bus.

Embodiment #29. The method of Embodiment #27, further comprising:

in response to the inserting, providing an insertion indication by the additional battery pack via the communication bus, wherein the insertion indication includes an identification (ID) of the additional battery pack.

Embodiment #30. The method of Embodiment #29, further comprising:

in response to the providing, receiving a configuration message, wherein the configuration message includes a configuration list indicative of a battery system configuration, wherein an entry in the configuration list for the additional battery pack is located at a bottom position of the configuration list, and wherein the additional battery pack serves as a slave battery pack in the battery system.

Embodiment #31. The method of Embodiment #30, further comprising:

obtaining, by the additional battery pack, first battery status information about battery cells located at the additional battery pack, wherein the first battery status information includes a first state of charge (SoC) value for the battery cells;

receiving, by the additional battery pack from the master battery pack over the communication bus, a first status request for the first battery status information; and

in response to the receiving the first status request, sending the first SoC value to the master battery pack over the communication bus.

Embodiment #32. The method of Embodiment #31, further comprising:

receiving, from the additional battery pack, the first SoC value;

determining, by the master battery pack, whether to initiate charge balancing that includes the additional battery pack based on the first SoC value; and

in response to the determining, sending, by the master battery pack to the additional battery pack an enable message to configure the additional battery pack with the power bus.

Embodiment #33. The method of Embodiment #32, further comprising:

receiving, by the additional battery pack from the master battery pack, the enable message via the communication bus; and

configuring the additional battery pack to interact with the power bus in accordance with the enable message.

Embodiment #34. The method of Embodiment #32, wherein the determining whether to initiate charge balancing comprises:

when the first SoC value is a high SoC value relative to the plurality of previously installed battery packs, sending, by the master battery pack, the enable message instructing the additional battery pack to enable discharging of the battery cells onto the power bus; and

when the first SoC value is a low SoC value relative to the plurality of previously installed battery packs, sending, by the master battery pack, the enable message instructing the additional battery pack to enable charging of the battery cells from the power bus.

Embodiment #35. The method of Embodiment #34, wherein the determining whether to initiate charge balancing further comprises:

when the first SoC value equals the low SoC value and a difference between the high SoC value and the low SoC value is greater than a predetermined amount, sending the enable message instructing the additional battery pack to enable the charging of the battery cells from the power bus through a converter located at the additional battery pack.

Embodiment #36. The method of Embodiment #34, further comprising;

after receiving the enable message by the additional battery pack from the master battery pack, obtaining a second SoC value of the battery cells;

receiving, by the additional battery pack from the master battery pack over the communication bus, a second status request for second battery status information; and

in response to the receiving the second status request, sending the second SoC value to the master battery pack over the communication bus.

Embodiment #37. The method of Embodiment #36, further comprising:

receiving, from the additional battery pack, the second SoC value;

when the first SoC value equals the high SoC value and the second SoC value is below a first threshold, sending, by the master battery pack, a second disable message instructing the additional battery pack to terminate discharging of the battery cells onto the power bus; and

when the first SoC value equals the low SoC value and the second SoC value is greater than a second threshold, sending, by the master battery pack, the second disable message instructing the additional battery pack to terminate charging of the battery cells from the power bus.

Embodiment #38. The method of Embodiment #27, wherein the communication bus comprises a controller area network (CAN) bus. Embodiment #39. A first battery pack configured for installation in a battery system for electrically powering an end device, wherein all installed battery packs installed in the battery system have identical electrical and electronic components, the first battery pack comprising:

a communication interface circuit configured to interface to a communication channel;

a power bus interface circuit configured to interface with a power bus and to provide electrical power to the end device;

a controller comprising at least one processor; and

a memory storing controller instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to:

when the first battery pack is inserted into the battery system, generate an insertion indication via the communication channel, wherein the insertion indication includes an identification (ID) of the first battery pack.

in response to the generating the insertion indication, receive from a master battery pack of the battery system, a disable message over the communication channel via the communication interface circuit; and

in response to the receiving the disable message, disable charging and discharging through the power bus.

Embodiment #40. The first battery pack of Embodiment #39, wherein the controller instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the controller to:

in response to the generating the insertion indication, receive a configuration message, wherein the configuration message includes a configuration list indicative of a battery system configuration, wherein an entry in the configuration list for the first battery pack is located at a bottom position of the configuration list, and wherein the first battery pack serves as a slave battery pack in the battery system.

Embodiment #41. The first battery pack of Embodiment #40, wherein the controller instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the controller to:

obtain battery status information about battery cells located at the first battery pack, wherein the battery status information includes a state of charge (SoC) value for the battery cells;

receive, from the master battery pack over the communication channel, a status request for the battery status information; and

in response to the receiving the status request, send the SoC value to the master battery pack over the communication channel.

Embodiment #42. The first battery pack of Embodiment #41, wherein the controller instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the controller to:

in response to the sending the SoC value, receive, from the master battery pack, an enable message via the communication channel; and

configure the power bus interface circuit to interact with the power bus in accordance with the enable message.

Embodiment #43. A battery system configured for electrically powering an end device and comprising a plurality of battery packs, the battery system comprising:

a first battery pack including:

-   -   a power bus interface circuit configured to interface with a         power bus and to provide electrical power to the end device;     -   a first communication interface circuit configured to interface         to a controller area network (CAN) bus;     -   a first controller comprising at least one processor; and     -   a first memory storing controller instructions that, when         executed by the at least one processor, cause the first         controller to:         -   when the first battery pack is inserted into the battery             system, provide an insertion indication via the CAN bus,             wherein the insertion indication includes an identification             (ID) of the first battery pack;         -   in response to the providing, receive from a master battery             pack of the battery system a first disable message over the             CAN bus via the first communication interface circuit; and         -   in response to the receiving, disable charging and             discharging through the power bus; and

a second battery pack serving as the master battery pack of the battery system.

Embodiment #44. The battery system of Embodiment #43, wherein the first memory storing controller instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first controller to:

-   -   obtain battery status information about battery cells located at         the first battery pack, wherein the battery status information         includes a state of charge (SoC) value for the battery cells;     -   receive, from the master battery pack over the CAN bus, a status         request for the battery status information; and     -   in response to the receiving the status request, send the SoC         value to the master battery pack over the CAN bus.         Embodiment #45. The battery system of Embodiment #44, wherein         the second battery pack includes:     -   a second communication interface circuit configured to interface         to the CAN bus;     -   a second controller comprising one or more processors; and     -   a second memory storing controller instructions that, when         executed by the one or more processors, cause the second         controller to:         -   receive, from the first battery pack, the SoC value;         -   determine, by the master battery pack, whether to initiate             charge balancing that includes the first battery pack based             on the SoC value; and         -   in response to the determining whether to initiate charge             balancing, send, by the master battery to the first battery             pack an enable message to configure the first battery pack             with the power bus.             Embodiment #46. The battery system of Embodiment #45,             wherein the second memory storing controller instructions             that, when executed by the one or more processors, further             cause the second controller to:     -   when the SoC value is a high SoC value relative to a plurality         of previously installed battery packs, send, by the master         battery pack, the enable message instructing the first battery         pack to enable discharging of the battery cells onto the power         bus; and         when the SoC value is a low SoC value relative to the plurality         of previously installed battery packs, send, by the master         battery pack, the enable message instructing the first battery         pack to enable charging of the battery cells from the power bus.         Embodiment #47. A first battery pack configured for installation         in a battery system for electrically powering an end device,         wherein all installed battery packs installed in the battery         system have identical electrical and electronic components, the         first battery pack comprising:

one or more battery cells;

a communication interface circuit configured to interface to a communication channel;

a power bus interface circuit configured to interface with a power bus and to provide electrical power to the end device;

a controller comprising at least one processor; and

a memory storing controller instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to:

-   -   determining that the first battery pack is a master battery pack         of the battery system;     -   when the first battery pack receives a first failure         notification message from a second battery pack over the         communication channel via the communication interface circuit         and when an extra battery pack is needed, determine whether a         first spare battery pack is available, wherein the first failure         notification message is indicative of a first catastrophic         failure at the second battery pack;     -   when the first spare battery pack is an only spare battery pack         and when the extra battery pack is needed, send a first enable         message to the first spare battery pack over the communication         channel, wherein the first enable message instructs the first         spare battery pack to discharge onto the power bus; and     -   when the first battery pack receives the first failure         notification message from the second battery pack, send a first         disable message to the second battery pack over the         communication channel, wherein the first disable message         instructs the second battery pack to terminate discharging onto         the power bus.         Embodiment #48. The first battery pack of Embodiment #47,         wherein the controller instructions, when executed by the at         least one processor, further cause the controller to:

when the first battery pack is the master battery pack of the battery system:

-   -   when no spare battery packs are available, send a degradation         alert message to the end device.         Embodiment #49. The first battery pack of Embodiment #48,         wherein the controller instructions, when executed by the at         least one processor, further cause the controller to:

when the first battery pack is the master battery pack of the battery system:

-   -   when degraded operation is not acceptable to the end device,         initiate shutdown of the battery system.         Embodiment #50. The first battery pack of Embodiment #49,         wherein the controller instructions, when executed by the at         least one processor, further cause the controller to:

when the first battery pack is the master battery pack of the battery system:

-   -   instructing all battery packs of the battery system from         discharging onto the power bus.         Embodiment #51. The first battery pack of Embodiment #47,         wherein the controller instructions, when executed by the at         least one processor, further cause the controller to:

when the first battery pack is the master battery pack of the battery system:

-   -   when a plurality of spare battery packs are available, select a         highest SoC spare battery pack from the plurality of spare         battery packs, wherein the highest SoC spare battery pack is         characterized by a highest state of charge (SoC) value of all of         the plurality of spare battery packs; and     -   send a second enable message to the highest SoC spare battery         pack, wherein the second enable message instructs the highest         SoC spare battery pack to discharge onto the power bus.         Embodiment #52. The first battery pack of Embodiment #47,         wherein the communication channel comprises a controller area         network (CAN) bus.         Embodiment #53. The first battery pack of Embodiment #47,         wherein the controller instructions, when executed by the at         least one processor, further cause the controller to:

when the first battery pack is the master battery pack of the battery system:

-   -   monitor the one or more battery cells;     -   based on the monitoring, determine whether a second catastrophic         failure has occurred;     -   when the second catastrophic failure has occurred, determine         whether the first spare battery pack is available;     -   when the first battery pack is available, send the first enable         message to the first spare battery pack, wherein the first         enable message instructs the first spare battery pack to         discharge onto the power bus; and     -   disable itself from discharging onto the power bus.         Embodiment #54. The first battery pack of Embodiment #47,         wherein the controller instructions, when executed by the at         least one processor, further cause the controller to:

when the first battery pack is a slave battery pack of the battery system:

-   -   monitor the one or more battery cells;     -   based on the monitoring, determine whether a third catastrophic         failure has occurred; and     -   when the third catastrophic failure has occurred, send a second         failure notification message to the master battery pack of the         battery system.         Embodiment #55. The first battery pack of Embodiment #54,         wherein the controller instructions, when executed by the at         least one processor, further cause the controller to:     -   in response to the sending, receive a second disable message         from the master battery pack; and     -   in response to the receiving, terminate discharging onto the         power bus.         Embodiment #56. The first battery pack of Embodiment #47,         wherein the controller instructions, when executed by the at         least one processor, further cause the controller to:     -   when the first battery pack detects an internal catastrophic         failure, internally terminate discharging onto the power bus;     -   when at least one spare battery pack is available, enable one of         the at least one spare battery packs;     -   when no spare battery pack is available, send a degradation         alert message to the end device; and     -   continue to operate as the master battery pack of the battery         system.         Embodiment #57. The first battery pack of Embodiment #47,         wherein the controller instructions, when executed by the at         least one processor, further cause the controller to:     -   when the first battery pack detects an internal catastrophic         failure, internally terminate discharging onto the power bus;         and     -   reassign one of the slave battery packs as a new master battery         pack.         Embodiment #58. The first battery pack of Embodiment #47,         wherein the controller instructions, when executed by the at         least one processor, further cause the controller to:     -   when the first battery pack fails to receive any messages from         the second battery pack over the communications channel, attempt         to disable the second battery pack from discharging onto the         power bus; and     -   adjust a power level over the power bus to the end device.         Embodiment #59. A method of powering an end device by a battery         system, the method comprising:     -   when a master battery pack receives a failure notification         message from a slave battery pack over a communication channel         and when an extra battery pack is needed, determining whether a         first spare battery pack is available, wherein the failure         notification message is indicative of a catastrophic failure at         the slave battery pack;     -   when the first spare battery pack is an only spare battery pack         and when the extra battery pack is needed, sending, by the         master battery pack, an enable message to the first spare         battery pack, wherein the enable message instructs the first         spare battery pack to discharge onto a power bus; and     -   when the master battery pack receives the failure notification         message from the slave battery pack, sending, by the master         battery pack, a disable message to the slave battery pack,         wherein the disable message instructs the slave battery pack to         terminate discharging onto the power bus.         Embodiment #60. The method of Embodiment #59, comprising:     -   when degraded operation is not acceptable to the end device,         initiating shutdown of the battery system.         Embodiment #61. The method of Embodiment #59, comprising:     -   when a plurality of spare battery packs are available, selecting         a highest SoC spare battery pack from the plurality of spare         battery packs, wherein the highest SoC spare battery pack is         characterized by a highest state of charge (SoC) value of all of         the plurality of spare battery packs; and     -   sending the enable message to the highest SoC spare battery         pack, wherein the enable message instructs the highest SoC spare         battery pack to discharge onto the power bus.         Embodiment #62. The method of Embodiment #59, comprising:     -   monitoring, by the slave battery pack, one or more battery         cells;     -   based on the monitoring, determining whether the catastrophic         failure has occurred; and     -   when the catastrophic failure has occurred, sending the failure         notification message to the master battery pack of the battery         system.         Embodiment #63. The method of Embodiment #62, comprising:     -   in response to the sending, receiving, by the slave battery         pack, the disable message from the master battery pack; and     -   in response to the receiving the disable message, terminating         discharging onto the power bus.         Embodiment #64. A battery system configured for electrically         powering an end device and comprising a plurality of battery         packs, the battery system comprising:

a slave battery pack; and

a master battery pack including:

-   -   a first communication interface circuit configured to interface         to a controller area network (CAN) bus;     -   a first controller comprising at least one processor; and     -   a first memory storing controller instructions that, when         executed by the at least one processor, cause the first         controller to:         -   when the master battery pack receives a failure notification             message from the slave battery pack over the CAN bus via the             first communication interface circuit and when an extra             battery pack is needed, determine whether a first spare             battery pack is available, wherein the failure notification             message is indicative of a catastrophic failure at the slave             battery pack;         -   when the first spare battery pack is an only spare battery             pack and when the extra battery pack is needed, send an             enable message to the first spare battery pack, wherein the             enable message instructs the first spare battery pack to             discharge onto a power bus; and         -   when the master battery pack receives the failure             notification message from the slave battery pack, send a             disable message to the slave battery pack, wherein the             disable message instructs the slave battery pack to             terminate discharging onto the power bus.             Embodiment #65. The battery system of Embodiment #64,             wherein the first memory storing controller instructions             that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the             first controller to:     -   when degraded operation is not acceptable to the end device,         initiate shutdown of the battery system.         Embodiment #66. The battery system of Embodiment #65, wherein         the first memory storing controller instructions that, when         executed by the at least one processor, cause the first         controller to:     -   instruct all battery packs of the battery system from         discharging onto the power bus.         Embodiment #67. The battery system of Embodiment #64, wherein         the first memory storing controller instructions that, when         executed by the at least one processor, cause the first         controller to:     -   when a plurality of spare battery packs is available, select a         highest SoC spare battery pack from the plurality of spare         battery packs, wherein the highest SoC spare battery pack is         characterized by a highest state of charge (SoC) value of all of         the plurality of spare battery packs; and     -   send the enable message to the highest SoC spare battery pack,         wherein the enable message instructs the highest SoC spare         battery pack to discharge onto the power bus.         Embodiment #68. The battery system of Embodiment #64, wherein         the slave battery pack includes:     -   a second communication interface circuit configured to interface         to a controller area network (CAN) bus;     -   a second controller comprising one or more processors;     -   one or more battery cells; and     -   a second memory storing controller instructions that, when         executed by the one or more processors, cause the first         controller to:         -   monitor the one or more battery cells;         -   based on the monitoring, determine whether the catastrophic             failure has occurred; and         -   when the catastrophic failure has occurred, send the failure             notification message to the master battery pack of the             battery system.             Embodiment #69. The battery system of Embodiment #68,             wherein the second memory storing controller instructions             that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the             second controller to     -   in response to the sending the failure notification message,         receive the disable message from the master battery pack; and     -   in response to the receiving the disable message, terminate         discharging onto the power bus.         Embodiment #70. A method of powering an end device by a battery         system, the battery system comprising a plurality of battery         packs, the method comprising:

gathering, by a master battery pack of the battery system, battery status information from the plurality of battery packs, wherein the plurality of battery pack comprises the master battery packs and all slave battery packs and wherein the battery status information includes a state of charge (SoC) data;

determining, by the master battery pack and based the battery status information, whether a first subset of the plurality of battery packs needs to be balanced in charge;

selecting, by the master battery pack, a first type of balancing from a plurality of balancing types appropriate for the first subset of the plurality of battery packs; and

applying, by the master battery pack, the selected first type of balancing via a power bus until desired SoC values are obtained for the first subset of the plurality of battery packs.

Embodiment #71. The method of Embodiment #70, wherein the plurality of balancing types comprise a converter balancing technique, a direct balancing technique, and a staggered balancing technique. Embodiment #72. The method of Embodiment #71, comprising:

identifying, by the master battery pack, a first battery pack having a high SoC value from the gathered battery status information; and

comparing, by the master battery pack, the high SoC value with SoC values of all remaining battery packs.

Embodiment #73. The method of Embodiment #72, comprising:

in response to the comparing, when a first SoC difference between the first battery pack and a second battery pack is greater than a first predetermined amount, initiating, by the master battery pack, the converter balancing technique for the first and second battery packs.

Embodiment #74. The method of Embodiment #73, comprising:

sending, by the master battery pack, to the first battery pack a first enable message over a communication channel, wherein the first enable message instructs the first battery pack to discharge over the power bus; and

sending, by the master battery pack, to the second battery pack a second enable message over the communication channel, wherein the second enable message instructs the second battery pack to enable its converter and to charge from the power bus.

Embodiment #75. The method of Embodiment #73, comprising:

in response to the comparing, when a second SoC difference between the first battery pack and a third battery pack is greater than the first predetermined amount, initiating, by the master battery pack, the converter balancing technique for the first, second, and third battery packs.

Embodiment #76. The method of Embodiment #75, wherein one of the first, second, and third battery packs serves as the master battery pack of the battery system. Embodiment #77. The method of Embodiment #72, comprising:

in response to the comparing, when a third SoC difference between the first battery pack and a fourth battery pack is less than a second predetermined amount, initiating, by the master battery pack, the direct balancing technique for the first battery pack and the fourth battery pack.

Embodiment #78. The method of Embodiment #77, comprising:

sending, by the master battery pack, to the first battery pack a third enable message over a communication channel, wherein the third enable message instructs the first battery pack to discharge over the power bus; and

sending, by the master battery pack, to the fourth battery pack a fourth enable message over the communication channel, wherein the fourth enable message instructs the fourth battery pack to charge from the power bus.

Embodiment #79. The method of Embodiment #77, wherein one of the first and fourth battery packs serves as the master battery pack. Embodiment #80. The method of Embodiment #72, comprising:

in response to the comparing, when a fourth SoC difference between the first battery pack and a fifth battery pack is less than a third predetermined amount, a fifth SoC difference between the first battery pack and a sixth battery pack is greater than a fourth predetermined amount, and a sixth SoC difference between the first battery pack and a seventh battery pack is greater than the fourth predetermined amount, initiating the staggered balancing technique to the first battery pack, the fifth battery pack, and the sixth battery pack.

Embodiment #81. The method of Embodiment #80, comprising:

sending, by the master battery pack, to the first battery pack a fifth enable message over a communication channel, wherein the fifth enable message instructs the first battery pack to discharge over the power bus;

sending, by the master battery pack, to the fifth battery pack a sixth enable message over the communication channel, wherein the sixth enable message instructs the fifth battery pack to charge from the power bus, wherein the direct balancing technique is applied for the first battery pack and the fifth battery pack; and

sending, by the master battery pack, to the sixth battery pack a seventh enable message over the communication channel, wherein the seventh enable message instructs the sixth battery pack to enable its converter and to charge from the power bus, wherein the converter balancing technique is applied for the first battery pack and the sixth battery pack.

Embodiment #82. The method of Embodiment #81, comprising:

obtaining current SoC values for the fifth and sixth battery packs; and

in response to the obtaining, when an eighth difference between a first current SoC value of the fifth battery pack and a second current SoC value of the sixth battery pack is greater than a fifth predetermined value, switching the direct balancing technique to the first battery pack and the seventh battery pack from the first battery pack and the sixth battery pack.

Embodiment #83. The method of Embodiment #82, comprising:

sending, by the master battery pack, to the fifth battery pack an eighth enable message over the communication channel, wherein the eighth enable message instructs the fifth battery pack to enable its converter and charge from the power bus, wherein the converter balancing technique is applied for the first battery pack and the fifth battery pack; and

sending, by the master battery pack, to the sixth battery pack a ninth enable message over the communication channel, wherein the ninth enable message instructs the sixth battery pack to disable its converter and to charge from the power bus, wherein the direct balancing technique is applied for the first battery pack and the sixth battery pack.

Embodiment #84. The method of Embodiment #75, wherein one of the first, fifth, and sixth battery packs serves as the master battery pack of the battery system. Embodiment #85. The method Embodiment #70, further comprising:

obtaining, by the master battery pack, current SoC values from the plurality of battery packs;

determining, by the master battery pack and based the current SoC values, whether a second subset of the plurality of battery packs needs to be balanced in charge;

selecting, by the master battery pack, a second type of balancing from the plurality of balancing types appropriate for the second subset of the plurality of battery packs, wherein the first type and second type of balancing are different; and

applying, by the master battery pack, the selected second type of balancing for the second subset of the plurality of battery packs.

Embodiment #86. The method Embodiment #70, wherein the applying comprises:

obtaining a safety interlock indicator and a wake indicator; and

only when the safety interlock indicator is indicative of being on and the wake indicator is indicative of being off, enabling the applying.

Embodiment #87. A first battery pack configured for installation in a battery system for electrically powering an end device, wherein all installed battery packs installed in the battery system have identical electrical and electronic components, the first battery pack comprising:

a communication interface circuit configured to interface to a communication channel;

a power bus interface circuit configured to interface with a power bus and to provide electrical power to the end device;

a controller comprising at least one processor; and

a memory storing controller instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to:

when the first battery pack serves as a master battery pack of the battery system:

-   -   gather battery status information from a plurality of battery         packs, wherein the plurality of battery pack comprises the         master battery packs and all slave battery packs and wherein the         battery status information includes a state of charge (SoC)         data;     -   determine, based the battery status information, whether a first         subset of the plurality of battery packs needs to be balanced in         charge;     -   select a first type of balancing from a plurality of balancing         types appropriate for the first subset of the plurality of         battery packs; and     -   apply the selected first type of balancing until desired SoC         values are obtained for the first subset of the plurality of         battery packs.         Embodiment #88. The first battery pack of Embodiment #87,         wherein the memory storing controller instructions that, when         executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to:     -   identify a first battery pack having a high SoC value from the         gathered battery status information; and     -   compare the high SoC value with SoC values of all remaining         battery packs.         Embodiment #89. The first battery pack of Embodiment #88,         wherein the memory storing controller instructions that, when         executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to:     -   in response to the comparing, when a first SoC difference         between the first battery pack and a second battery pack is         greater than a first predetermined amount, initiate, by the         master battery pack, a converter balancing technique for the         first and second battery packs.         Embodiment #90. The first battery pack of Embodiment #88,         wherein the memory storing controller instructions that, when         executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to:     -   in response to the comparing, when a third SoC difference         between the first battery pack and a fourth battery pack is less         than a second predetermined amount, initiate, by the master         battery pack, a direct balancing technique for the first battery         pack and the fourth battery pack.         Embodiment #91. The first battery pack of Embodiment #88,         wherein the memory storing controller instructions that, when         executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to:     -   in response to the comparing, when a fourth SoC difference         between the first battery pack and a fifth battery pack is less         than a third predetermined amount, a fifth SoC difference         between the first battery pack and a sixth battery pack is         greater than a fourth predetermined amount, and a sixth SoC         difference between the first battery pack and a seventh battery         pack is greater than the fourth predetermined amount, initiate a         staggered balancing technique to the first battery pack, the         fifth battery pack, and the sixth battery pack.         Embodiment #92. A battery system configured for electrically         powering an end device and comprising a plurality of battery         packs, the battery system comprising:

a plurality of slave battery packs; and

a master battery pack including:

-   -   a first communication interface circuit configured to interface         to a controller area network (CAN) bus;     -   a controller comprising at least one processor; and     -   a memory storing controller instructions that, when executed by         the at least one processor, cause the controller to:     -   gather battery status information from all battery packs of the         battery system, wherein said all battery packs comprises the         master battery packs and the plurality of slave battery packs         and wherein the battery status information includes a state of         charge (SoC) data;     -   determine, based the battery status information, whether a first         subset of said all battery packs needs to be balanced in charge;     -   select a first type of balancing from a plurality of balancing         types appropriate for the first subset of said all battery         packs; and     -   apply the selected first type of balancing until desired SoC         values are obtained for the first subset of said all battery         packs.         Embodiment #93. The battery system of Embodiment #92, wherein         the memory storing controller instructions that, when executed         by the at least one processor, cause the controller to:     -   identify a first battery pack having a high SoC value from the         gathered battery status information, wherein the plurality of;         and     -   compare the high SoC value with SoC values of all remaining         battery packs.         Embodiment #94. The battery system of Embodiment #93, wherein         the memory storing controller instructions that, when executed         by the at least one processor, cause the controller to:     -   in response to the comparing:     -   when a first SoC difference between the first battery pack and a         second battery pack is greater than a first predetermined         amount, initiate a converter balancing technique for the first         and second battery packs;     -   when the first SoC difference between the first battery pack and         the second battery pack is less than a second predetermined         amount, initiate a direct balancing technique for the first         battery pack and the second battery pack; and     -   when the first SoC difference between the first battery pack and         the second battery pack is less than the second predetermined         amount, a second SoC difference between the first battery pack         and a third battery pack is greater than the first predetermined         amount, and a third SoC difference between the first battery         pack and a fourth battery pack is greater than the first         predetermined amount, initiate a staggered balancing technique         to the first, second, third, and fourth battery packs.         Embodiment #95. A method comprising:

receiving, by a computing device having one or more processors, a first reading of a state of charge (SOC) of each of a plurality of battery packs, wherein the plurality of battery packs comprises at least a first group of one or more battery packs and a second group of one or more battery packs;

identifying, by the computing device, based on the received first reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs, and based on an identification of a lowest level for a first reading of an SOC and a second lowest level for a first reading of an SOC,

-   -   the first group as having the lowest level for the first reading         of the SOC, and     -   the second group as having the second lowest level for the first         reading of the SOC;

generating, by the computing device and based on the identification of the lowest level and the second lowest level, a first list comprising of the first group and the second group;

determining, by the computing device, based on the first reading of the SOC of the first group, and based on the first reading of the SOC of the second group, a first SOC variability of the first list;

determining, by the computing device and based on the first SOC variability, that the first SOC variability does not satisfy a SOC variability threshold;

establishing, by the computing device, a first SOC threshold using the first reading of the SOC of the second group;

causing, by the computing device and via electric charge arrays, the charging of the first group to cause the SOC of the first group to increase;

receiving, by the computing device, a second reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs;

determining, by the computing device and based on a second reading of the SOC of the first group, that the second reading of the SOC of the first group satisfies the first SOC threshold.

Embodiment #96. The method of Embodiment #95, further comprising:

determining, by the computing device and based on the received second reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs, an updated first SOC variability of the first list;

determining, by the computing device, that the updated first SOC variability satisfies the SOC variability threshold.

Embodiment #97. The method of Embodiment #95, wherein the receiving the first reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs further comprises:

identifying, by the computing device, a master battery pack as one of the plurality of battery packs; and

receiving, by the computing device and from the master battery pack, the first reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs.

Embodiment #98. The method of Embodiment #95, wherein the causing the charging further comprises enabling an electric discharge array from a charger to the one or more battery packs of the first group of one or more battery packs via a converter. Embodiment #99. The method of Embodiment #95, wherein the plurality of battery packs further comprises at least a third group of one or more battery packs, and wherein the method further comprises:

identifying, by the computing device, based on the received second reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs, and based on an identification of a lowest level for a second reading of an SOC and a second lowest level for a second reading of an SOC,

-   -   the first group and the second group as having the lowest level         for the second reading of the SOC, and     -   the third group as having the second lowest level for the second         reading of the SOC;

generating, by the computing device and based on the lowest level for the second reading of the SOC and the second lowest level for the second reading of the SOC, a second list comprising the first group, the second group, and the third group;

determining, by the computing device, based on the second reading of the SOC of the first group, based on the second reading of the SOC of the second group, and based on the second reading of the SOC of the third group, a second SOC variability of the second list.

Embodiment #100. The method of Embodiment #99, wherein the generating the second list comprises expanding the first list to include battery packs having the second lowest level for the second reading of the SOC. Embodiment #101. The method of Embodiment #99, further comprising:

determining, by the computing device, that the second SOC variability does not satisfy the SOC variability threshold;

establishing, by the computing device, a second SOC threshold based on a second reading of the SOC of the third group;

causing, by the computing device and via electric charge arrays,

-   -   the charging of the first group to cause the SOC of the first         group to increase, and     -   the charging of the second group to cause the SOC of the second         group to increase;

receiving, by the computing device, a third reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs;

determining, by the computing device, that a third reading of the SOC of the first group and a third reading of the SOC of the second group each satisfy the second SOC threshold.

Embodiment #102. The method of Embodiment #101, further comprising:

performing one or more iterations of the following until a determined updated SOC variability of the plurality of battery packs satisfies the SOC variability threshold:

-   -   identifying, by the computing device,         -   an Nth group of one or more battery packs of the plurality             of battery back devices, wherein the nth group has a lowest             level of a previous reading of the SOC of the plurality of             battery packs, and         -   an (N+1) group of one or more battery packs of the plurality             of battery back devices, wherein the (N+1) group has the             second lowest level of the previous reading of the SOC of             the plurality of battery packs, and     -   generating, by the computing device, a list comprising the n         group and the N+1 group;     -   determining, by the computing device, that an SOC variability of         the list does not satisfy the SOC variability threshold;     -   establishing, by the computing device, an SOC threshold using         the previous reading of the SOC of the N+1 group;     -   causing, by the computing device and via electric charge arrays,         the charging of the n group to cause the SOC of the n group to         increase and satisfy the SOC threshold;     -   receiving, by the computing device, a subsequent reading of an         SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs; and     -   determining, by the computing device and based on the subsequent         reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs,         the updated SOC variability of the plurality of battery packs.         Embodiment #103. The method of Embodiment #95, further         comprising:

prior to the receiving the first reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs, determining that an interlock safety pin associated with the plurality of battery packs is set to on, wherein the interlock safety pin allows the receiving the first reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery pack to occur.

Embodiment #104. The method of Embodiment #95, further comprising:

prior to the causing the charging, determining that a wake pin associated with the plurality of battery packs is set to on, wherein the wake pin allows the charging to occur.

Embodiment #105. A method comprising:

receiving, by a computing device having one or more processors and communicatively linked to an end device, a power requirement of the end device;

receiving, by the computing device, a first reading of a state of charge (SOC) of each of a plurality of battery packs,

-   -   wherein the plurality of battery packs comprises at least a         first group of one or more battery packs and a second group of         one or more battery packs, and     -   wherein a first reading of an SOC of the second group is greater         than a first reading of an SOC of the first group;

determining, by the computing device and based on the received first reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs, a first SOC variability of the plurality of battery packs;

determining, by the computing device and based on the first SOC variability not satisfying an SOC variability threshold, to enable the second group to initially power the end device without a concurrent powering of the end device by other battery packs of the plurality of battery packs; and

causing, by the computing device and via an electric charge array, the second group to power the end device to a first power level, wherein the powering the end device causes the SOC of the second group to decrease.

Embodiment #106. The method of Embodiment #105, further comprising:

receiving, by the computing device, a second reading of an SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs; and

determining, by the computing device and based on the received second reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs, a second SOC variability of the plurality of battery packs;

determining, by the computing device, that the second SOC variability satisfies the SOC variability threshold; and

causing, by the computing device and via one or more electric charge arrays, the first group and the second group to power the end device to a second power level, wherein the powering the end device causes the second reading of the SOC of the first group and the second reading of the SOC of the second group to decrease.

Embodiment #107. The method of Embodiment #105, further comprising:

receiving, by the computing device, a second reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs,

-   -   wherein the plurality of battery packs further comprises a third         group of one or more battery packs,     -   wherein the second reading of the SOC of the second group and         the second reading of the SOC of the third group are within a         predetermined reading of each other, and     -   wherein the second reading of the SOC of the second group and         the second reading of the SOC of the third group are each         greater than the second reading of the SOC of the first group,

determining, by the computing device and based on the received second reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs, a second SOC variability of the plurality of battery packs;

determining, by the computing device, that the second SOC variability does not satisfy the SOC variability threshold; and

causing, by the computing device and via one or more electric charge arrays, the second group and the third group to concurrently power the end device to a second power level, wherein the powering the end device causes the SOC of the second group and the SOC of the third group to decrease.

Embodiment #108. The method of Embodiment #105, wherein the receiving the first reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs further comprises:

identifying, by the computing device, a master battery pack as one of the plurality of battery packs; and

receiving, by the computing device and from the master battery pack, the first reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs.

Embodiment #109. A method comprising:

receiving, by a computing device having one or more processors and communicatively linked to an end device, a power requirement of the end device;

receiving, by the computing device, a first reading of a state of charge (SOC) of each of a plurality of battery packs,

-   -   wherein the plurality of battery packs comprises at least a         first group of one or more battery packs and a second group of         one or more battery packs,     -   wherein a first reading of an SOC of the second group is greater         than a first reading of an SOC of the first group, and

determining, by the computing device and based on the received first reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs, a first SOC variability of the plurality of battery packs;

determining, by the computing device, that the first SOC variability does not satisfy an SOC variability threshold; and

causing, by the computing device, and via one or more electric charge arrays, the second group to charge the first group, wherein the charging the first group decreases the SOC of the second group and increases the SOC of the first group.

Embodiment #110. The method of Embodiment #109, further comprising:

receiving, by the computing device, a second reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs;

determining, by the computing device and based on the received second reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs, a second SOC variability of the plurality of battery packs; and

determining, by the computing device, that the second SOC variability satisfies the SOC variability threshold.

Embodiment #111. The method of Embodiment #110, further comprising:

causing, by the computing device and via one or more electric charge arrays, the plurality of battery packs to power the end device, wherein the powering causes the SOC of the plurality of battery packs to decrease.

Embodiment #112. The method of Embodiment #109, further comprising:

receiving, by the computing device, a first reading of a state of health (SOH) of each of the plurality of battery packs, wherein the plurality of battery packs further comprises a third group of one or more battery packs;

determining, by the computing device, that the first reading of the SOH of the third group does not satisfy a SOH threshold; and

sequestering, by the computing device, the third group from powering the end device until a subsequent reading of an SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs other than the one or more battery packs of the third group do not satisfy an SOC threshold.

Embodiment #113. The method of Embodiment #109, wherein the receiving the first reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs further comprises:

identifying, by the computing device, a master battery pack as one of the plurality of battery packs; and

receiving, by the computing device and from the master battery pack, the first reading of the SOC of each of the plurality of battery packs.

Embodiment #114. The method of Embodiment #109,

wherein the causing the second group to charge the first battery pack occurs via one or more of a converter balancing, a direct connect balancing, or a staggered balancing.

Embodiment #115. A system for powering a load comprising:

a switch having a first terminal, a second terminal, and control terminal;

one or more first thyristors of a first type of thyristor and is electrically connected to the second terminal of the switch;

one or more second thyristors of a second type of thyristor,

wherein a first resistance of the first type of thyristor responds, to a change in temperature, in an opposite direction than how a second resistance of the second thyristor responds to the change in temperature,

wherein the first terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a power source,

wherein the one or more second thyristors are configured to be electrically connected to the load, and

wherein the one or more second thyristors are in series with the one or more first thyristors.

Embodiment #116. The system of Embodiment #115,

wherein the first type of thyristor is a positive temperature control (PTC) thyristor,

wherein the second type of thyristor is a negative temperature control (NTC) thyristor.

Embodiment #117. The system of Embodiment #115, further comprising:

a resistor electrically connected between the one or more second thyristors and the load.

Embodiment #118. The system of Embodiment #115, further comprising:

a second switch having a third terminal, a fourth terminal, and a second control terminal,

wherein the third terminal is connected to the one or more second thyristors, and

wherein the fourth terminal is configured to be electrically connected to the load.

Embodiment #119. The system of Embodiment #115, further comprising:

a microprocessor configured to provide a signal to the control terminal of the switch.

Embodiment #120. The system of Embodiment #119, further comprising:

a second switch having a third terminal, a fourth terminal, and a second control terminal,

wherein the third terminal is configured to be electrically connected to the power source the fourth terminal is configured to be electrically connected to the load,

wherein the microprocessor is configured to provide a second signal to the second control terminal of the second switch,

wherein, during a first time interval, the microprocessor:

-   -   controls the switch to permit conduction of power between the         first terminal and the second terminal, and     -   controls the second switch to prevent conduction of power         between the third terminal and the fourth terminal, and

wherein, during a second time interval, the microprocessor:

-   -   controls the switch to prevent conduction of power between the         first terminal and the second terminal, and     -   controls the second switch to permit conduction of power between         the third terminal and the fourth terminal.         Embodiment #121. The system of Embodiment #120, further         comprising:

a resistor electrically connected between the fourth terminal and the load.

Embodiment #122. The system of Embodiment #120, further comprising:

a third switch comprising a fifth terminal, a sixth terminal, and a third control terminal,

wherein the fifth terminal is connected to the fourth terminal, and

wherein the sixth terminal is configured to be electrically connected to the load.

Embodiment #123. The system of Embodiment #119,

wherein, during a charging time interval, the microprocessor controls the switch to permit conduction of power between the first terminal and the second terminal, and

wherein, during another time interval, the microprocessor controls the switch to prevent conduction of power between the first terminal and the second terminal.

Embodiment #124. The system of Embodiment #115,

wherein, for a range of temperatures, a series resistance of a combination of the one or more first thyristors and one or more second thyristors is lower than the series resistance of the combination below the range of temperatures.

Embodiment #125. The system of Embodiment #115,

wherein, for a range of temperatures, a series resistance of a combination of the one or more first thyristors and one or more second thyristors is lower than the series resistance of the combination above the range of temperatures.

Embodiment #126. The system of Embodiment #115,

wherein the switch comprises a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), or a power MOSFET.

Embodiment #127. The system of Embodiment #115,

wherein the one or more first thyristors comprise two or more thyristors in series or parallel.

Embodiment #128. The system of Embodiment #115,

wherein the one or more first thyristors comprise PTC thyristors or NTC thyristors.

Embodiment #129. The system of Embodiment #115,

wherein the one or more first thyristors comprise at least one thyristor of the first type in series with a parallel combination of two or more thyristors of the first type, and

wherein the one or more first thyristors comprise PTC thyristors or NTC thyristors.

Embodiment #130. A method comprising:

providing a switch;

providing a positive temperature control (PTC) thyristor in series with a negative temperature control (NTC) thyristor; and

controlling the switch to permit, at a first time, current to flow from a power source to a load via the switch and via a series connection of a positive temperature control (PTC) thyristor and a negative temperature control (NTC) thyristor.

Embodiment #131. The method of Embodiment #130, further comprising:

providing a second switch,

wherein the controlling further controls the second switch to permit, at a second time after the first time, current to flow from the power source to the load via the second switch.

Embodiment #132. A system for powering a load comprising:

a switch having a first terminal, a second terminal, and control terminal;

a first thyristor electrically connected to the second terminal of the switch; and

a second thyristor electrically connected to the load,

wherein the first thyristor or the second thyristor is a positive temperature control (PTC) thyristor,

wherein the other of the first thyristor or the second thyristor is a negative temperature control (NTC) thyristor,

wherein the first terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a power source,

wherein the first thyristor is electrically connected to the second terminal, and

wherein the second thyristor is in series with the first thyristor between the second terminal and the load.

Embodiment #133. The system of Embodiment #132,

wherein the first thyristor comprises two or more first thyristors.

Embodiment #134. The system of Embodiment #132,

wherein the second thyristor comprises two or more second thyristors.

In additional aspects, a battery system may comprise one or more battery packs. Each battery pack includes a battery management system in which one of the battery packs is flexibly configured as a master (e.g., primary) battery pack while the other battery packs are configured as slave (e.g., secondary) battery packs.

The battery management systems and methods described herein may be implemented in industrial and commercial vehicle applications, such as off-road utility vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, battery-electric powered vehicles, burden carrier/tow tractors, forklift/pallet jacks, lawn and garden/outdoor power equipment, large mining equipment, automated guided vehicles, aerial work platforms, and other such applications. In addition, the systems and methods described herein may be implemented in other applications including, but not limited to cordless power tools (e.g., drills, saws, grinders, nail drivers, welders, and the like), aerospace/defense applications, appliances, and other such applications. Furthermore, the systems and methods described herein may be implemented in other applications including, but not limited to grid energy storage, solar-generated power storage systems, sustainably generated power storage systems, smart grid systems, telecom and data communication backup systems, uniform power supply (UPS) systems, server applications, and other such applications.

For example, in some industrial and commercial vehicle applications, a battery management system such as disclosed herein may desired to output a wide range of current—e.g., a high current when initially turning on an engine of the vehicle, however, less current during normal operation of the vehicle. The battery management system and methods may also, in some embodiments, include a limp home mode feature, as disclosed herein, to accommodate a failed battery in a large-format battery pack, such as in an industrial or commercial vehicle application. The battery management systems, including various battery pack configurations and one or more buses (e.g., a CAN bus), may integrated into the industrial and commercial vehicle application.

In another example, in some telecom and/or data communication backup systems and/or computer server applications, a battery management system such as disclosed herein may provide an alternative to lead acid battery installations that previously dominated these applications because of their low cost, straightforward scalability, accessible recycling infrastructure, and accessible manufacturers. In some embodiments, the battery management systems and methods disclosed herein provide high energy density, high rate of discharge capabilities, and low self-discharge characteristics that make for desirable integration into telecom and/or data communication backup systems, uniform power supply (UPS) systems, and/or computer server applications. For example, the aforementioned applications desire longer operational time frames that are made possible by the battery management system such as disclosed herein, which extend the usable life of batteries in the battery pack by implementing smart algorithms for charge, discharge, and balancing— e.g., smart converter balancing, start direct balancing, start staggered balancing, and others. In addition, the battery management systems and methods disclosed herein may be used in cooperation with, in some examples, technologies such as fuel cells, ultracapacitors, flywheels, and other electrochemical batteries for use in telecom/data communications backup applications.

In yet another example, in some grid energy storage systems, solar-generated power storage systems, sustainably generated power storage systems, smart grid systems, and/or uniform power supply (UPS) systems, a battery management system such as disclosed herein may optimize electricity grids and enable sustainable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, to be more economical. In one example, the system may be used to store solar energy received from photovoltaic panels and a bi-directional three-phase inverter system may be managed, in some embodiments, using the battery management system disclosed herein. The renewable energy storage system may include a plurality of batteries in a battery pack integrated into a rack mount chassis and enclosure. Solar integrators may use the disclosed battery management systems and methods with large-format battery chemistries to fill the needs of growing renewable energy storage requirements. While lead-acid, ultracapacitors, sodium sulfur, vanadium redox, flywheels, compressed air, fuel cells and pumped hydro have been used in solar energy storage applications, with the disclosed battery management systems and methods, solar integrators may conveniently use Lithium ion for large-format applications. In addition, solar integrators may desire ancillary services for the power markets that uses micro-pulses of energy to maintain the proper frequency of the current on the grid—e.g., frequency regulation, and advanced smart grid functionality such as micro grid operation, demand response, time shifting, and power dispatch. Lithium chemistry over previous battery technologies include weight reduction, volume/footprint reduction, longer cycle-life, ability to use a greater percent of capacity of lithium battery without shortening rated cycle life, faster charge times, and lower effective capacity loss at high rates of discharge. In some examples, an inverter and gateway interoperability may be coupled to the disclosed battery management systems to manage, distribute, and store energy within a smart grid. In some examples, the smart grid system may be housed in a mobile shipping container that is expandable.

In addition to grid energy storage systems, the battery management systems and methods disclosed herein may be integrated with off-grid power products suitable in consumer, recreational, automotive, maritime and/or industrial applications. In the automotive sector, auxiliary power units (APU) may be used for transportation, construction, and/or maintaining vital infrastructure. Battery APUs provides commercial vehicles with a rugged and dependable off-grid power source. Other off-grid power applications include maritime power, remote location power, traffic regulation, security surveillance and emergency power generators. Moreover, Battery APUs may be used for short and long-haul trucks, construction equipment, off-road transport (e.g., logging trucks), and buses. For example, commercial trucks may rely on Battery APUs for overnight comfort (e.g., air conditioning/heat/accessory) loads. For several off-grid applications, reliability is a major concern as failure and/or downtime is exceedingly costly

With some embodiments, the term “large-format” encompasses medium-format battery embodiments and use cases. For example, medium-scale and large-scale applications are embodied by the numerous descriptions herein.

Although many of the systems and methods described herein reference Lithium ion battery storage chemistry, the disclosure is not so limited. In many instances, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other major chemistries for rechargeable batteries may be appropriated substituted without substantially departing from the spirit of the solution: Lithium-ion (Li-ion), Nickel Cadmium (Ni—Cd), Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lead-Acid, and other chemistries. With some embodiments, the battery management system disclosed herein may be included with these technology batteries to provide battery protection, provide improved efficiency, and provide a better user experience than previous battery technologies. Variants of the lithium cobalt cathode, such as nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC), may be desirable in electric vehicles and other applications. Other new cathode chemistries, such as lithium manganese spinel (LMO) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP), may be used where appropriate. Moreover, large-format battery packs offer lower system integration costs because, inter alia, it enables a reduced number of battery interconnections, further improving the reliability of the battery pack and providing for a much higher value proposition.

As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a computer system with an associated computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling the computer system can be utilized to implement the exemplary embodiments that are disclosed herein. The computer system may include at least one computer such as a microprocessor, digital signal processor, and associated peripheral electronic circuitry.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. 

1. A device for powering a load comprising: a power input terminal configured to be connected to a power source; a power output terminal configured to be connected to a load; a first conduction path connecting the power input terminal and the power output terminal, wherein the first conduction path comprises one or more first thermistors of a first type of thermistor in series with one or more second thermistors of a second type of thermistor, wherein a first resistance of the first type of thermistor responds, to a change in temperature, in an opposite direction than how a second resistance of the second thermistor responds to the change in temperature; a second conduction path connecting the power input terminal and the power output terminal; and a switching circuit configured to connect, during a first time interval and via the first conduction path, the power input terminal and the power output terminal and configured to connect, during a second first time interval and via the second conduction path, the power input terminal and the power output terminal, wherein, at a beginning of the first time interval, one of the first type of thermistor or second type of thermistor has a greater resistance than a corresponding second or first type of thermistor, and wherein, at an end of the first time interval, the one of the first type of thermistor or second type of thermistor has a lower resistance than the corresponding second or first type of thermistor.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first type of thermistor is a positive temperature control (PTC) thermistor, and wherein the second type of thermistor is a negative temperature control (NTC) thermistor.
 3. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a resistor electrically connected in series with at least one of the thermistors and the power output terminal.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the switching circuit comprises: a first transistor with a first control terminal, a first terminal, and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal and the second terminal form a first current path, wherein the first current path is connected between the power input terminal and the first conduction path; a second transistor with a second control terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal, wherein the third terminal and the fourth terminal form a second current path, wherein the second current path is connected between the power input terminal and the second conduction path; and a microprocessor configured to selectively enable, during the first time interval, the first transistor and, during a second time interval, the second transistor.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the first transistor comprises a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), or a power MOSFET.
 6. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a second switching circuit configured to connect, during the first time interval, the first conduction path and the power output terminal and, during a second time interval, the second conduction path and the power output terminal.
 7. The device of claim 6, further comprising: a microprocessor configured to control the switching circuit and the second switching circuit.
 8. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a resistor electrically connected in the first conduction path.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein, for a range of temperatures, a series resistance of a combination of the one or more first thermistors and one or more second thermistors is lower than the series resistance of the combination below the range of temperatures.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein, for a range of temperatures, a series resistance of a combination of the one or more first thermistors and one or more second thermistors is lower than the series resistance of the combination above the range of temperatures.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the switching circuit comprises a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), or a power MOSFET.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more first thermistors comprise two or more thermistors in series or parallel.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more first thermistors comprise positive temperature compensation (PTC) thermistors or negative temperature compensation (NTC) thermistors.
 14. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more first thermistors comprise at least one thermistor of the first type in series with a parallel combination of two or more thermistors of the first type, and wherein the one or more first thermistors comprise PTC thermistors or NTC thermistors.
 15. A method comprising: receiving, at a switching circuit and at a beginning of a first time interval, a first signal to permit conduction, via a first conductive path, between a power input terminal and a power output terminal and to prevent conduction, via a second conductive path, between the power input terminal and the power output terminal; permitting, by the switching circuit and based on the first signal, conduction via the first conductive path, wherein a first resistance of the first conductive path is high at a first temperature, high at a second temperature, and low at a third temperature, and wherein the third temperature is between the first temperature and the second temperature; receiving, at the switching circuit and at an end of the first time interval, a second signal to prevent conduction, via the first conductive path, between a power input terminal and a power output terminal and to permit conduction, via a second conductive path, between the power input terminal and the power output terminal; and permitting, by the switching circuit and based on the second signal, conduction via the second conductive path, wherein a second resistance of the second conduction path is lower, at the first temperature, than the first resistance, and wherein the second resistance is lower, at the third temperature, than the first resistance.
 16. A device comprising: a first conductive path comprising a series connection of at least one positive temperature control (PTC) thermistor and at least one negative temperature control (NTC) thermistor, wherein the first conductive path is connected to a load; a second conductive path connected, in parallel with the first conductive path, to the load; a first switching circuit electrically connected between a power terminal and each of a first conductive path and a second conductive path; and a microprocessor configured to control the first switching circuit to selectively connect, to the power terminal, the first conductive path or the second conductive path.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the at least one PTC thermistor comprises two or more PTC thermistors.
 18. The device of claim 16, wherein the at least one NTC thermistor comprises two or more NTC thermistors.
 19. The device of claim 16, further comprising: a second switching circuit electrically connected between a load terminal and each of the first conductive path and the second conductive path, wherein the second switching circuit is configured to be controlled by the microprocessor to selectively connect, to the load terminal, the first conductive path or the second conductive path.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the microprocessor is configured to simultaneously control the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit to connect, via the first conductive path or via the second conductive path, the power terminal and the load terminal. 